When do children start to understand about false belief?

During the first year of life, infants are primarily focused on sensory experiences, basic needs, and forming attachments with caregivers. Their cognitive abilities are limited, and they have not yet developed the capacity for understanding complex concepts like false beliefs.

Toddlers between the ages of one and two years are primarily exploring the world around them and developing language skills. While they may exhibit early signs of social cognition, such as joint attention and empathy, their cognitive development is not yet advanced enough to grasp the subtleties of false beliefs.

Children aged two to three years are in the early stages of developing theory of mind, including understanding emotions, desires, and intentions. While they may show progress in recognizing others' perspectives, the full comprehension of false beliefs typically emerges later, around four to five years of age.