Has some understanding that things exist, even when out of sight.
Observe whether the child: has some understanding that things exist, even when out of sight.
What it looks like
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Emerging
Just starting
The baby shows brief signs of expecting return (looking toward where something disappeared) especially in simple games, but does not yet consistently search or persist. Responses are fleeting and depend on immediate cues.
What you might see
A rattle is moved out of view and the baby immediately looks elsewhere without turning back toward the last-seen location.
During peekaboo, the baby does not look toward the covered face/object and instead disengages from the game.
Looks toward the place a toy disappeared for a second or two, then stops without reaching or leaning to search.
Smiles during peekaboo and shows surprise at reappearance, but does not try to pull a cloth or move a barrier.
Expected
On track
The baby often tracks disappearance and may search in simple ways (leaning, reaching, peering) when an object is partially hidden or quickly reappears. They show clear interest that the object is still relevant even when not visible.
What you might see
When a toy is partly covered, reaches toward the visible edge or attempts to pull/brush the cover.
Turns head and scans near the last-seen spot when a familiar person steps briefly out of view.
Exceeding
Going further
The baby consistently anticipates return and searches in simple ways for hidden items (e.g., looks behind a cloth, reaches toward a covered toy) in familiar routines. They persist for several seconds and repeat the search across attempts.
What you might see
When a small object is placed under a cloth, leans forward and lifts/grasps the cloth edge to look for it.
Repeats searching behaviour across trials (e.g., each time the toy is hidden under the same cover, the baby looks/reaches again).
Searches in a new location (e.g., looks behind a cushion after seeing the object disappear there) without needing a prompt.
Initiates a disappearance game by dropping or covering an object and then looking toward the adult as if expecting retrieval/reappearance.
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
Peekaboo: cover your face with a cloth for a moment and watch whether your baby looks toward the cloth or tries to pull it down.
Mealtime: place a favourite spoon or teether under a napkin while your baby watches. Notice whether they look for it or reach toward the napkin.
Play on the floor: slowly roll a ball behind a cushion and pause. Observe whether your baby turns/leans to look behind the cushion.
Bath: let a floating toy drift behind a bottle or your arm and watch whether your baby tracks and searches for where it went.
Everyday movement: step briefly behind a doorframe while talking. Notice whether your baby turns their head toward where your voice is coming from and expects you to reappear.
Connected behaviours
Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.
The framework source and supporting developmental research.
Framework source
Development Matters in the EYFS (2012), Mathematics: Numbers.
The construct is explicitly stated as an early observable behaviour in the birth–11 months number statements.
Developmental research
Piaget, J. (1954). The Construction of Reality in the Child. Basic Books.
Object permanence is a foundational element of early cognitive development that supports expecting objects to continue to exist when occluded.
Five-level rubric (detailed)ShowHide
The full progression underlying the three levels above. Used by the platform’s reasoning agent when planning activities and observations.
Not Yet
When a person or object moves out of view, the baby does not show signs of searching or expecting it to return. Their attention shifts to what is currently visible.
A rattle is moved out of view and the baby immediately looks elsewhere without turning back toward the last-seen location.
During peekaboo, the baby does not look toward the covered face/object and instead disengages from the game.
Emerging
The baby shows brief signs of expecting return (looking toward where something disappeared) especially in simple games, but does not yet consistently search or persist. Responses are fleeting and depend on immediate cues.
Looks toward the place a toy disappeared for a second or two, then stops without reaching or leaning to search.
Smiles during peekaboo and shows surprise at reappearance, but does not try to pull a cloth or move a barrier.
Developing
The baby often tracks disappearance and may search in simple ways (leaning, reaching, peering) when an object is partially hidden or quickly reappears. They show clear interest that the object is still relevant even when not visible.
When a toy is partly covered, reaches toward the visible edge or attempts to pull/brush the cover.
Turns head and scans near the last-seen spot when a familiar person steps briefly out of view.
Secure
The baby consistently anticipates return and searches in simple ways for hidden items (e.g., looks behind a cloth, reaches toward a covered toy) in familiar routines. They persist for several seconds and repeat the search across attempts.
When a small object is placed under a cloth, leans forward and lifts/grasps the cloth edge to look for it.
Repeats searching behaviour across trials (e.g., each time the toy is hidden under the same cover, the baby looks/reaches again).
Reflexive
The baby generalises this expectation across people and objects, showing purposeful searching behaviour and anticipation in varied contexts (different hides, short delays). They may initiate turn-taking disappearance games and track hidden items with sustained attention.
Searches in a new location (e.g., looks behind a cushion after seeing the object disappear there) without needing a prompt.
Initiates a disappearance game by dropping or covering an object and then looking toward the adult as if expecting retrieval/reappearance.
