Exploratory Behavior in Infancy and Early Childhood: A Scoping Review of Socioeconomic, Parenting, and Neurodevelopmental Determinants and Their Implications for Developmental Outcomes

Abstract

Background Exploratory behavior is a foundational mechanism through which infants acquire motor, cognitive, language, and socioemotional competencies. Despite a growing body of evidence, no scoping review has comprehensively mapped the multidimensional determinants — including socioeconomic, environmental, parenting, and neurodevelopmental factors — that shape infant exploration and its developmental sequelae. Objective To systematically map and synthesise the existing evidence on exploratory behavior in infants and young children aged 0–36 months, identify its key determinants, and delineate implications for developmental outcomes and paediatric practice.