What developmental stage follows infancy?

The developmental stage that follows infancy is early childhood. This stage typically occurs from about 1 to 6 years of age, marking a significant period of growth and development. During early childhood, children experience rapid physical growth, develop motor skills, and begin to form social relationships. They also start to develop language skills and engage in imaginative play, laying the groundwork for future learning and emotional development.

In contrast, the other stages listed occur later in life. Adolescence follows early childhood, starting around ages 12 to 18, focusing on puberty and identity formation. Late childhood, often referred to as middle childhood, encompasses the ages from 6 to about 12, when children refine their abilities and develop friendships more deeply. Young adulthood follows late adolescence and early adulthood, generally beginning in the late teens to early twenties, where individuals seek independence and make significant life decisions. Thus, early childhood is the correct answer as it directly follows the infancy stage in developmental psychology.