Which sense is primarily relied upon by infants during the first stage of development?

The sense that infants primarily rely on during the first stage of development is touch. During the early months of life, infants explore their environment largely through tactile experiences. Touch helps them understand their surroundings and the people who care for them. It plays a critical role in emotional bonding, as skin-to-skin contact fosters attachment between the infant and caregiver.

In addition to providing comfort, touch is essential for sensory development. Infants learn to differentiate textures, temperatures, and other sensations through their interactions with various surfaces and objects. As they grow, tactile experiences help them develop motor skills and spatial awareness.

While other senses like smell, hearing, and taste are also important in infancy, touch is the most foundational during this early stage, as it forms the basis for later sensory integration and cognitive development.