What is an infant most likely to do with a new toy?

Infants are naturally curious and explore their surroundings primarily through their senses. One of the most common behaviors they exhibit with new objects, including toys, is mouthing them. This action serves several purposes: it helps them learn about the texture, taste, and shape of the object, and provides comfort and sensory stimulation. Mouthing also plays a crucial role in the development of oral motor skills and exploration, as infants use their mouths to gain information about the world around them.

While infants may also engage in shaking, hitting, or staring at a new toy, these actions typically emerge as they grow older and develop more advanced motor skills and cognitive understanding. The excitement of discovering something new often leads to the instinctual behavior of bringing the object to their mouth, making it the most likely response for an infant interacting with a new toy.