The baby can push a toy at the age of :

Question

Accepted Answer

Explanation:

1. **Why Option 4 (8-12 months) is Correct:**
   - At the age of 8-12 months, babies typically develop the necessary motor skills and strength to push objects, such as toys. During this stage, infants are improving their coordination and muscle control, which allows them to engage in more complex activities like pushing, pulling, and even beginning to walk with support. This age range is crucial for developing gross motor skills, and pushing toys can be a part of this developmental milestone.

2. **Why Option 1 (1-2 months) is Incorrect:**
   - At 1-2 months, babies are still developing basic motor skills. They are primarily focused on gaining control over their head and neck muscles and are not yet capable of pushing objects. At this stage, infants are more likely to engage in reflexive movements rather than intentional actions like pushing.

3. **Why Option 2 (2-4 months) is Incorrect:**
   - During the 2-4 months age range, babies are beginning to explore their environment more actively, but their motor skills are still in the early stages of development. They may start to reach for objects and grasp them, but pushing toys requires more advanced coordination and strength than they typically possess at this age.

4. **Why Option 3 (4-8 months) is Incorrect:**
   - While babies between 4-8 months are developing stronger muscles and better coordination, they are generally more focused on sitting up, rolling over, and beginning to crawl. Although some infants might start experimenting with pushing objects towards the end of this range, it is not as common or consistent as it is in the 8-12 months range, where pushing toys becomes a more typical activity.

In conclusion, Option 4 (8-12 months) is the correct answer because it aligns with the developmental milestones of infants, where they have the necessary motor skills and strength to push toys effectively.