An infant or small toddler is most likely to gain trust in a person who?

• A. Provides an organized, routine environment
• B. Maintains eye contact, even if a stranger
• C. Frequently changes the child's regular routine
• D. Avoids towering over the child during interactions

Answer: (A)

Infants and small toddlers develop trust primarily through consistency and predictability in their environment and interactions. When a caregiver or person provides an organized, routine environment, it helps to create a sense of security and stability for the child. This routine allows the child to anticipate what will happen next, which is essential for building trust.

In contrast, maintaining eye contact, even if with a stranger, can be beneficial for establishing rapport but does not provide the same level of trust that a consistent routine does. Frequent changes in the child's regular routine can lead to confusion and anxiety, undermining trust. Lastly, while avoiding towering over the child during interactions can promote a comfortable atmosphere, it does not directly create the foundational trust that a predictable routine does. Therefore, an organized and routine environment is crucial for fostering trust in infants and small toddlers.