Research on object exploration by infants addresses milestones in the process by normally developing infants, including spontaneous manipulation strategies. Implications for developmentalists working with high-risk preterm infants are noted, including the need for direct assistance in manipulation and for selection of materials. (CL)

The article reviews the role of the vestibular system, tactile system, kinesthetic system, visual system, balance, locomotion, body awareness, spatial system, mildline crossing, bilateral integration, form perception, and eye-food coordination in promoting an integrated motor base on which later learning is built. (CL)