What is the primary focus during the infancy stage of development?

During the infancy stage of development, the primary focus is on attachment, sensory exploration, and the development of basic motor skills. This period, which spans from birth to approximately 12 months, is crucial for forming foundational relationships and experiences that shape a child's future development.

Attachment is significant as infants develop bonds with primary caregivers, which influence their emotional health and future interactions. Sensory exploration allows infants to learn about their environment through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, fostering curiosity and cognitive processing. Additionally, the development of basic motor skills, such as grasping, rolling over, crawling, and eventually walking, is essential as it enables infants to engage more actively with their surroundings, promoting further exploration and learning.

The other options focus on later developmental stages. Language acquisition occurs more prominently in the toddler stage, when children begin to communicate effectively. Academic readiness and cognitive development emerge more as children grow into preschool and school-aged years. Similarly, interactions with peers and group play are more characteristic of early childhood, as social skills and friendships become a focus as children engage with others beyond their immediate family.