What does the development of a fear of heights after crawling indicate about cognitive development?

The development of a fear of heights after crawling is indicative of sensorimotor experience, which is a crucial stage in an infant's cognitive development, as described by Jean Piaget. In the sensorimotor stage, which lasts from birth to about two years old, infants learn about the world through their senses and motor actions. As children crawl and explore their environment, they gain firsthand experience of spatial relationships and develop an understanding of their physical capabilities.

When infants start to crawl, they encounter various surfaces and heights, allowing them to assess risks. As they experience being up high and possibly feeling a lack of stability or safety, they develop a fear of heights as a natural response. This fear reflects an increased awareness and understanding of their environment, contributing to cognitive growth and the formation of mental schemas related to safety and navigation.

In this way, sensorimotor experiences shape their understanding of cause and effect, as well as their capability to navigate and assess different situations. The fear of heights is not just a learned behavior, but a cognitive milestone representing their evolving comprehension of the world around them.