Children can often have their own learning paths when it comes to thinking cognitively. However, a new study is suggesting that children may have the ability to quantify objects much younger than adults may have previously thought.

Researchers from the University of Missouri are suggesting that infants are able to quantify non-cohesive substances, such as sand, water or even pieces of cereal. The study suggests that children can develop these abilities as early as 10 months old.

The researchers point out that although children at this age are not able to count, they are able to determine which objects have more.

"What we're saying is that they can quantify substances - it's just much harder. The infants can see how much food goes into each cup and compare that in their memories," explained researcher Kristy vanMarle. "They decide which amount is larger, and they almost always select the larger one."

vanMarle also noted that this information further proves that babies actually know a lot more about their surroundings than many people believe.