Which is true about a baby's ability to make friends?

Babies thrive in social environments because early social interactions are crucial for their development. Interacting with caregivers, peers, and other people helps infants learn about social cues, emotions, and communication. This social engagement fosters the development of emotional bonds and foundational skills necessary for forming friendships later on.

From a very young age, children often seek out and respond positively to social interactions. For instance, even before they can talk, infants engage in "social smiling," showing their enjoyment of being around others. As they grow, they display an increasing interest in their peers, indicating a natural inclination to connect with others. These social experiences contribute significantly to their emotional intelligence and later relational skills.

The assertion that interaction does not occur until the age of 3 overlooks the significant social developments that occur much earlier. Additionally, while there are instinctual elements to forming friendships, guidance and context from caregivers enhance these interactions. Lastly, while family interactions are fundamental, they do not represent the entirety of a child's social world, as children also engage with caregivers outside the family unit and other peers in various environments.