Infancy

The stage of infancy lasts from birth until approximately the age of 2. During infancy, a great deal of initial learning occurs. This learning is provided through environmental cues, such as a parents behaviour. Very basic skills are mastered during this time period, such as crying, nursing, co-ordination and the ability to represent images and objects with words.

An important influence in the child’s life at this stage is the parents. It is very common to see a child at the ages of 7-9 months old become upset when they are separated from their primary caregiver. This phenomenon is known as attachment, and is important in determining how a child will behave in future relationships as they mature.