This article will review the literature on the cognitive development of infants. The article will review the cognitive development of infants at different stages. The effects of early experience on infants' mental development will also be discussed. The research question and research hypothesis will also be presented.Keywords: infants, development, experienceInfant cognitive developmentIntroductionAdvances in cognitive neuroscience have led to a better understanding of cognitive processes in infants. Studies have indicated that cognitive development in infants begins before they are born. During the eighth week of pregnancy, fetuses have the ability to hear. They become accustomed to their mother's voice and that of close family members. Fetuses also have the ability to listen to music. After they are born, millions of neurons interconnect in their brains, allowing them to think and learn. Scientists have established that infants' experiences of touch, sight, and perception during the first years of life can potentially affect their brain development in later years (Goswami, 1993, p. 157). This literature review will examine the cognitive development of infants and how early experiences affect cognitive development. Cognitive Development of InfantsCognitive development is a term used to refer to the process by which infants or children develop language, think, acquire knowledge, and solve problems. For example, when infants identify colors or differentiate between objects, they are performing cognitive tasks. Infants normally learn through their interactions with objects and people, in addition to their senses. When infants interact with their world and...... middle of paper ...... ackwell handbook of childhood cognitive development. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub. Goswami, U. (1993). Cognitive development: the learning brain. Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press. Galton Institute. (2001). Perceptual cognitive development. Los Angeles, CA: Galton Institute. Gauvain, M. (2006). The social context of cognitive development. New York, NY: Guilford Press. Nelson, K. (2001). Language in cognitive development: emergence of the mediated mind. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge Univ. Press. Oakley, L. (2004). Cognitive development. New York, NY: Routledge. Ruffin, N.J. (2009). Understand the growth and development patterns of infants. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Accessed April 17, 2012 http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/350/350-053/350-053.html Wachs, TD and Gruen, GE (2006). Early experience and human development. New York, NY: plenary session.