What is the first sense to develop in humans?

The first sense to develop in humans is touch. This sense begins to form in the early stages of fetal development, around the 8th week of gestation, when the skin starts to develop and nerve endings become functional. Touch is essential for early human interaction and bonding; it enables infants to sense their environment and forms a foundation for emotional connections with caregivers. This tactile experience is critical for growth and development, influencing other senses as a child grows.

Vision, taste, and smell develop later in the gestational period, with vision being the last to mature, as it relies on light exposure and visual processing after birth. Understanding the prioritization of touch in sensory development highlights the fundamental role physical contact plays in human relationships and overall development.