At what stage does a child begin to develop object permanence according to Jean Piaget?

Object permanence is a critical concept in cognitive development that refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. According to Jean Piaget, this understanding begins to develop during the sensorimotor stage, which spans from birth to approximately 2 years of age.

During this stage, infants learn through their sensory experiences and motor actions. It is within this timeframe that they start to realize that even though an object may be hidden from view (for example, a toy placed under a blanket), it still exists. Piaget characterized the development of object permanence as a key milestone in the cognitive progression of children, signifying a shift in their understanding of the world around them. This insight is foundational, as it lays the groundwork for more complex cognitive functions and problem-solving skills in later stages of development.