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Can a 1 year old baby tell the difference between his real mother and nanny?

* Object Permanence: By this age, babies understand that people exist even when they are out of sight. This means they can form a mental image of both their mother and nanny.

* Sensory Recognition: Babies rely heavily on senses like sight, smell, and touch to recognize individuals. They'll likely notice differences in their mother and nanny's appearance, smell, and how they interact with the baby.

* Emotional Bonds: While a baby may not understand "real" vs. "nanny" in the same way an adult does, they will form emotional attachments to both caregivers. This can manifest in different responses to each person – showing more excitement or calmness depending on who's holding them.

* Familiarity and Routine: Babies learn patterns. They'll likely recognize their mother's voice, routine, and specific ways of comforting them. This creates a sense of familiarity and comfort that might differ with the nanny, even if the nanny provides excellent care.

However, it's important to remember:

* Individual Differences: Every child develops at their own pace. Some babies may be quicker to distinguish between caregivers than others.

* Bonding: While a baby may be able to tell the difference, it doesn't mean they love one person more than the other. They can bond strongly with both their mother and nanny.

* Language: At this age, babies don't have the vocabulary to express their understanding of these differences. They might show it through their behaviors instead.

In short: It's highly likely a 1-year-old can tell their mother and nanny apart. Their behavior and responses to each caregiver might be subtle but indicative of their recognition.