An infant or baby is the term used to refer to the very young offspring of humans.

Etymology and related terminology

The term "infant" derives from the Latin word infans, meaning "unable to speak." "Infant" is also a legal term referring to any child under the age of legal adulthood.

Neonates

A human infant less than a month old is a newborn or a neonate. The term "newborn" includes premature infants, postmature infants and full term newborns.

Toddlers

Upon reaching the age of one or beginning to walk, infants are referred to as "toddlers" (generally 12–36 months).

Infant mortality

This epidemiological indicator is recognized as a very important measure of the level of health care in a country because it is directly linked with the health status of infants, children, and pregnant women as well as access to medical care, socioeconomic conditions, and public health practices.

Care and feeding

Main: Childcare

Breastfeeding is the recommended method of feeding by all major infant health organizations. If breastfeeding is not possible or desired, bottle feeding is done with expressed breast-milk or with infant formula. Infants are born with a sucking reflex allowing them to extract the milk from the nipples of the breasts or the nipple of the baby bottle, as well as an instinctive behavior known as rooting with which they seek out the nipple. Sometimes a wet nurse is hired to feed the infant, although this is rare, especially in developed countries.

As infants grow, food supplements are added. Many parents choose commercial, ready-made baby foods to supplement breast milk or formula for the child, while others adapt their usual meals for the dietary needs of their child. Whole cow's milk can be used at one year, but lower-fat milk should not be provided until the child is 2 to 3 years old. Until they are toilet-trained, infants in industrialized countries wear diapers. Children need more sleep than adults - up to 18 hours for newborn babies, with a declining rate as the child ages. Until babies learn to walk, they are carried in the arms, held in slings or baby carriers, or transported in baby carriages or strollers. Most industrialized countries have laws requiring child safety seats for infants in motor vehicles.

Common care issues

• Baby colic
• Bassinet/crib

• Bathing
• Cradle cap
• Day care
• Diaper rash
• Infant formula
• Immunization
• Pacifier
• Paternal bond
• Teething
• Umbilical cord