Say goodbye, do not sneak out
A short, predictable goodbye teaches that leaving is followed by returning. Slipping away quietly makes the next separation harder.
6-9 months
Objects, people and object permanence
Your baby now understands that things exist when hidden, and that you are a separate person who can leave. Both discoveries land at the same time, which is why this stage feels intense.
Signs you may notice
- Looks for a toy you hide under a cloth
- Separation protest at the door
- Sits steadily and pivots to reach
- Babbles with repeated syllables
Parenting guidance
Hide and find, on purpose
Peekaboo is object permanence practice. Playing it on your terms makes the real separations less frightening.
Play ideas for this jump
Cloth and cup hiding
Hide a small ball under one of two cloths and let your baby find it. Swap the position after a few rounds.
Drop and return
Let them drop things from the high chair and hand them back. Tedious for you, foundational for them.