Understanding that objects continue to exist even when you can't see them, developing around 4 to 7 months. Before this, babies might forget about a hidden hazard. After this, they'll actively look for things you've hidden, including the phone charger you tucked behind the couch.
Related Terms
Skills and abilities that most children reach by certain ages, like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. Each milestone creates new safety considerations. Pediatricians track them at well-child visits, and the CDC has a milestone tracker app for parents.
Babies explore everything by putting it in their mouths. This starts around 4 months and can last well into the toddler years. It's developmentally normal and important for learning, but it's also why keeping small objects and toxic substances out of reach is so critical.
The process of making your home safer by removing or reducing hazards for babies and young children. It's not just about buying products. It's about getting down to your child's eye level and thinking about what they can reach, pull, climb, or stick their fingers in.