baby

Baby is a human offspring in the earliest stage of life, typically from birth through the end of the first year of age. In medical contexts the term infant is used for this stage, while neonate refers to the newborn period (birth to about four weeks). The word "baby" derives from baby-talk, with links to the French bébé, and is widely used in everyday language to refer to young children regardless of size.

Development during infancy is marked by rapid physical growth and sensory-motor progression. Newborns sleep and eat frequently; weight and length increase rapidly in the first months. By about 4-6 months many babies can roll over, by 6-9 months sit with support, and by 9-12 months may stand with help and begin to walk. Cognitive milestones include tracking faces, recognizing caregivers, babbling, and developing object permanence to understand that objects continue to exist when out of sight.

Care and feeding for babies requires attentive supervision and access to appropriate nutrition and health care. Infants are commonly breastfed or bottle-fed with infant formula, especially in settings where breastfeeding is not possible. Solid foods are typically introduced around 4-6 months, with gradual progression. Regular medical checkups, immunizations, and developmental screenings are routine. Safe sleep practices, responsive parenting, and a nurturing environment support emotional bonding and healthy development.

Cultural and social aspects. Infancy is shaped by family, culture, and caregiving norms, which influence daily routines, feeding practices, and expectations about milestones. The duration of the infant stage varies across contexts, and terminology beyond "baby" (such as infant or neonate) is used in clinical settings. Despite diversity, the shared focus of early childhood care is to provide safe, stimulating, and responsive care that supports growth and attachment.