The first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs from approximately birth to one year. Erikson defined trust as an essential trustfulness of others as well as a fundamental sense of one's own trustworthiness. He thought that an infant who gets fed when he is hungry and comforted when he needs comforting will develop trust. He also said that some mistrust is necessary to learn to discriminate between honest and dishonest persons. If mistrust wins over trust in this stage, the child will be frustrated, withdrawn, suspicious, and will lack self-confidence. If the parents satisfy an infant's needs they will develop a secure attachment with the parents, but will learn to trust their environment in general as well. However, if an infant's needs are not met they will develop mistrust towards people and things in their environment, even towards themselves. .
The second stage, Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt, occurs between ages two and three. During this period it is important that the parents create a supportive atmosphere in which the child can develop a sense of self-control without a loss of self-esteem. Shame and doubt about the child's self-control and independence occur if basic trust was insufficiently developed or was lost such as when the child's will is broken by an over controlling parent. In this stage, Erikson said the child encounters rules, such as which areas of the house he is allowed to explore. Toddlers learn to walk, talk, use toilets, and do things for themselves. Their self-control and self-confidence begin to develop at this stage. If parents encourage their child's use of initiative and reassure he or she when he or she makes mistakes, the child will develop the confidence needed to cope with future situations that require choice, control, and independence. If the child does not receive this reassurance and parents overprotect, or disapprove of the child's acts of independence, the child may begin to feel ashamed of his or her behavior, or have too much doubt of their abilities.