Final answer:
Self-concept development begins around 18 months when an infant recognizes their own reflection in a mirror test. Infants' sensory abilities like touch, hearing, and sight are key for their interaction and self-recognition. Object permanence is also a related cognitive milestone that develops before self-concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-concept begins to develop when an infant notices that their body is distinct from the rest of the world. This realization typically starts to occur around 18 months of age, as evidenced by the mirror test, where a toddler recognizes themselves in a mirror and becomes aware of a red dot of paint on their own nose. Self-awareness is a milestone in the development of a toddler's positive sense of self, which is a crucial aspect of their overall psychological development.
During infancy, babies demonstrate many abilities, such as a well-developed sense of touch, hearing, and smell, which are significant for interaction with caregivers. By six months, infants begin to exhibit improved vision, recognizing colors and demonstrating the ability to discriminate depth. Furthermore, the development of object permanence, which generally precedes self-recognition, is another critical cognitive development marker that occurs when a child comes to understand that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen or heard.