At what age range does the infancy stage typically occur?

The infancy stage typically occurs from birth to 12 months of age. During this critical period, infants experience rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development. They undergo significant changes in their ability to interact with the world, develop motor skills, and form attachments to caregivers. This stage lays the foundation for future growth and development, influencing aspects such as social interactions and language acquisition.

The other age ranges described do not align with the recognized milestones of infancy. For example, the stage from 1 to 3 years corresponds to the toddler phase, where children begin to explore independence and develop more complex social skills. The age range of 3 to 6 years relates to early childhood, characterized by preschool learning and greater cognitive development, while 12 to 18 years describes the adolescent phase, marked by identity exploration and puberty. Hence, the correct identification of infancy strictly as birth to 12 months underscores its distinctive developmental characteristics.