**Question:** A baby has recently developed mouthing but has not developed stranger anxiety. Likes and dislikes for food. What is the most appropriate age of this baby-

A. 6 months
B. 8 months
C. 10 months
D. 12 months

**Core Concept:** In human infants, a series of developmental milestones occur in a predictable order, reflecting maturation of the brain and sensory systems. These milestones are used to evaluate a baby's overall development and identify potential issues.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer (D) is 12 months. At 12 months, babies typically demonstrate the following milestones:

1. **Mouthing**: This refers to a baby's exploration of their environment through mouthing, including objects, toys, and even hands and feet. Mouthing is a normal part of a baby's sensory and motor development.
2. **Stranger anxiety**: This is the development of fear or distress when separated from the primary caregiver (usually the mother) and confronted with a stranger. This milestone typically appears between 9-18 months.
3. **Likes and dislikes for food**: Around 6 months, babies start to develop food preferences based on sensory experiences (e.g., taste, texture, smell).

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A) 6 months: Although the baby may start to explore food preferences around this time, the milestones of stranger anxiety and mouthing are not typically present at 6 months.
B) 8 months: Similar to option A, babies at 8 months may begin showing food preferences but not exhibit stranger anxiety or mouthing behaviors.
C) 10 months: While the baby may exhibit some food preferences, they are unlikely to show stranger anxiety or mouthing behaviors at this stage.

**Core Concept:** It is essential to understand the developmental sequence of milestones in infants to assess their overall development accurately and identify potential delays or issues.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** At 12 months, the baby should have developed the following milestones:

1. **Mouthing**: The baby has matured enough to explore their environment through mouthing, including objects, toys, and even hands and feet.
2. **Stranger anxiety**: The baby is starting to develop stranger anxiety, showing distress when separated from the primary caregiver (usually the mother) and confronted with a stranger.
3. **Likes and dislikes for food**: Around 6 months, babies start to develop food preferences based on sensory experiences (e.g., taste, texture, smell).

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A) 6 months: At this stage, babies are too young to exhibit stranger anxiety or mouthing behaviors.
B) 8 months: Similar to option A, babies at 8 months are not mature enough to demonstrate stranger anxiety or mouthing behaviors.
C) 10 months: While the baby may exhibit some food preferences, they are unlikely to show stranger anxiety or mouthing behaviors at this stage.

**Core Concept:** Understanding the developmental