What cognitive ability begins to develop in toddlers as they transition from infancy?

The cognitive ability that begins to develop in toddlers as they transition from infancy is self-awareness. During the toddler years, children start to recognize themselves as separate individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and identities. This development is often marked by various milestones, such as a toddler's ability to recognize themselves in a mirror or through photos, which indicates an emerging understanding of self.

Self-awareness plays a crucial role in a child's overall development, as it influences their interactions with others and helps them navigate their social environments. As children become more aware of themselves, they begin to understand their emotions and how they relate to the emotions of others. This self-recognition sets the foundation for more complex social behaviors and emotional competencies.

In contrast, emotional regulation, symbolic representation, and imitative behavior are also important cognitive developments but typically emerge at slightly different stages or as part of the broader context of growing self-awareness. For example, while toddlers start to manage emotions and engage in symbolic play, these skills often build upon the foundation of self-awareness that begins to take shape during this transitional phase from infancy.