How do infants and toddlers primarily learn about their environment?

Infants and toddlers primarily learn about their environment through physical interaction. At this stage of development, children are naturally curious and explore the world around them using their senses and movements. This includes reaching for, grabbing, manipulating, and experimenting with objects they encounter. Such physical engagement is key in helping them develop an understanding of their environment, as it fosters sensory experiences that contribute to their cognitive and motor development.

While using their mouths is indeed a common behavior among infants as they explore objects, it is a subset of their broader need to physically interact with their surroundings. This allows them to gain insights about textures, shapes, and sizes. Furthermore, interactions with caregivers and other stimuli also play essential roles, but the foundational learning about the environment is primarily achieved through hands-on experiences. This interaction is crucial as it encourages exploration, problem-solving, and the feedback necessary for learning.