What do infants increasingly rely on as they start moving around at the end of infancy?

As infants start moving around toward the end of infancy, they increasingly rely on their ability to respond appropriately to new situations. This developmental stage entails not only physical movement, such as crawling or walking, but also cognitive refinement as they begin to explore their environment more independently.

At this age, infants are naturally curious and eager to explore different stimuli, which requires them to assess their surroundings and make decisions about how to interact with them. The ability to respond appropriately is crucial as they encounter new objects, people, or environments that may demand different actions or reactions. For example, they may need to discern whether to approach a new toy or to seek the comfort of their caregiver in an unfamiliar setting.

Developing this ability to adapt and respond effectively contributes to cognitive growth and helps build confidence in their emerging independence, fostering a sense of security as they venture further into their surroundings. Therefore, this response capability is a key factor in their development during this critical period.