Learning about the world through 'six discoveries of infancy'

Infants are constantly taking in information through their senses. Since they are naturally curious and motivated to learn all by themselves, it is easy for adults to miss these discoveries. Researchers have grouped all of the learning that takes place in the first three years of life into Six Discoveries of Infancy. Knowing about these discoveries can give parents an idea of what to watch for and help you think of toys and materials that will expand upon your baby's learning.

Learning schemes - Infants learn very early how to group items by their similar properties. As they get older they discover new properties and classify, or group, things into more discerning categories. They use all of their senses to learn as much about an object as possible (mouthing, feeling, dropping, banging) in order to discover what it looks, feels, sounds, and tastes like (properties) as well as what it does (function).

What can you do?

Provide your baby with a variety of toys and materials that are safe to mouth, feel, drop, bang, taste, and smell. Shape sorters, rattles and texture blocks are good toys for this type of discovery.


Cause and effect - infants learn that they, other people and things can cause things to happen. They learn that particular objects like switches, knobs and buttons can be used to make things happen. Very young infants are surprised by the effects they can have but older infants embrace this power.

What can you do?

Provide your baby with stacking toys, soft blocks, balls and activity boards with buttons and knobs. Also, be patient when you have to retrieve her spoon after it was dropped on the kitchen floor for the twentieth time that meal period.

Use of tools - the very young infant uses sense tools to take in information. Older infants begin using their bodies and other people's bodies as tools, and the toddler uses objects to help get, hold, or explore other things of interest.

What can you do?

Be at the baby's level and allow your older infant to take you by the hand or use your shoulder for support when attempting to move in a new direction or reach a toy beyond his grasp. Provide sturdy furniture for your baby to use as a tool to stand up, balance, take steps, climb, use as a workspace, etc.

Object permanence - repeated contact with a familiar sight helps the infant learn that an object can be removed from sight and then return as the same object - just because it is out of sight does not mean it does not exist. The young infant starts by tracking the movement of objects through space. As they grow and begin to learn that a loved one still exists when not in sight and will return later, this brings more permanence to their world and strengthens their relationships with others.

What can you do?

Play "peek-a-boo" games and place toys behind and under items for your baby to discover. Reassure your infant that you will return and provide her with a familiar toy or blanket to help comfort her when you need to leave her in another person's care.

Understanding space - a lot of learning about the world around you involves issues of space, density, distance, movement and perspective. Infants and toddlers will often bump into things, get stuck places or get objects stuck in something and reach for things far away. Infants have to physically explore things to learn about these concepts.

What can you do?

Provide safe space for your infant to move and to be able to crawl or walk around, under, behind and through things. Also, tubes, containers, boxes and baskets for putting things into and carrying things are good materials for this type of discovery.

Imitation- imitating others helps infants build relationships, communicate, and learn new physical and social skills. Imitation also plays an important role in language development. Infants begin by mimicking facial movements and then body activity. As they get older they can imitate entire scenarios. If Mommy sighs and shrugs a lot when talking on the phone, then the toddler will make similar utterances and gestures with a play phone.

What can you do?

First of all, remember that you are always being closely observed and don't say or do anything that you don't want to see in a repeat performance by a much smaller version of you! In addition, provide safe pots and pans, play phones, toddler toolsets, and other baby-sized home items that your toddler can use to act just like Mom or Dad.

Now that you are better aware of these discoveries of infancy, go play with your baby and have fun watching and delighting in all of the learning discoveries that your baby is experiencing!

Abbe L. Hahn-Hook is the Early Care Management Training Coordinator at the Early Care & Learning Council where she provides workshops for child care center directors throughout New York State. She has over 15years of experience in the field of early care and education and a Master's Degree in early childhood education. and is currently working on her PITC certification.