An infant's brain undergoes major changes in response to stimulation. The transmission of information between nerve cells in the brain creates neural pathways that organize the brain. Piaget said that all children go through four periods of learning. During the sensorimotor period (birth–2 years), children learn through their senses and own actions.

A child learns and practices new skills through play. Appropriate toys can help babies learn. Children communicate before they can talk. Reading to a child promotes vocabulary.