What critical development happens in the Infancy stage (0-12 months)?

In the Infancy stage, the critical development that occurs is the establishment of trust or mistrust. This concept is rooted in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which highlights that during the first year of life, infants depend on their caregivers for basic needs such as food, comfort, and security. When caregivers consistently provide for an infant's needs, the child develops a sense of trust in their environment and the people around them. This foundational trust is crucial, as it affects how the child will navigate relationships and challenges later in life.

If caregivers are neglectful or inconsistent, the infant may develop a sense of mistrust, leading to difficulties in forming secure relationships as they grow. Unlike autonomy, which typically develops in later stages of childhood, the concept of trust is vital during this early period as infants rely solely on their caregivers. Similarly, processing social interactions and forming intimate relationships are skills that develop later as the child matures and gains more independence.