DevPsych_-Infancy-Stages

Infancy Stage

The earliest stage of life, typically lasting from birth to about 2 years old, where infants learn to think, feel, move, and communicate.

Major Milestones in Infant Development

Key developmental achievements that occur during infancy, including birth, first smile, first words, and first steps.

Reflexes (Substage 1)

Newborns learn about their world through reflex actions such as sucking and grasping, which evolve into more deliberate actions.

Primary Circular Reactions (Substage 2)

Infants engage in repeated activities centered on their own body, motivated by interest in behaviors that they accidentally discover.

Secondary Circular Reactions (Substage 3)

Infants interact deliberately with objects in their environment, leading to repeated actions and increased engagement with the outside world.

Coordination of Secondary Circular Reactions (Substage 4)

Infants combine basic reflexes and behaviors with planning and coordination to achieve specific goals and anticipate events.

Tertiary Circular Reactions (Substage 5)

Toddlers act as 'little scientists,' exploring their world through trial and error, using motor skills and planning abilities.

Beginning of Representational Thought (Substage 6)

The end of the sensorimotor stage marked by the emergence of symbolic thought, problem solving, and pretend play in toddlers.

Infant Characteristics

Infants are dependent on others, constantly learning and exploring, highly social, and adaptable, developing strong relationships.

Communication in Infancy

Infants learn to understand and respond to communication cues like facial expressions and gestures, laying the groundwork for language.