What is the typical age range for the oral stage of development?

The oral stage of development, according to psychoanalytic theory as proposed by Sigmund Freud, occurs from birth to about one year of age. During this stage, an infant's primary source of interaction with the world comes through the mouth, through activities such as sucking, biting, and chewing. This stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for the child's subsequent interactions with their environment and impacts their personality development.

In this stage, the infant explores their surroundings primarily through oral activities, which not only satisfy their hunger but also provide comfort and relief. Freud suggested that experiences during this stage can shape behaviors and personality traits in later life, such as dependency or aggression. Thus, the correct choice reflects the common understanding of this developmental stage in early childhood psychology.