At which stage do infants begin to develop a sense of trust based on their caregivers' consistency?

Infants begin to develop a sense of trust in their caregivers during the stage known as trust and mistrust. This stage is part of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which spans from infancy to adulthood. In the very early stages of life, particularly during the first year, infants depend primarily on their caregivers for sustenance, comfort, and care. When caregivers are consistent in meeting the infant's needs, the child learns to trust that the world is a safe place and that their needs will be met. This foundational experience is crucial for healthy emotional and social development.

The other options pertain to different concepts. While stages of psychosocial development encompass various stages, it is the trust and mistrust stage that specifically addresses the development of trust in infancy. The theory of mind relates to a later cognitive development stage where children learn to understand their own and others' mental states, and temperament refers to the innate characteristics of an individual that can influence their behavior but does not directly create the foundation of trust as described.