bebé

Bebê is a Portuguese term for a human infant in the earliest stage of life. It is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese as bebê and, in European Portuguese, sometimes written bébé, with both variants referring to a child from birth through approximately the first year. The term covers all genders and is used in everyday speech as well as in health and caregiving contexts.

Etymology: The word is generally derived from the French bébé, adapted into Portuguese with regional spelling variations. It reflects a common pattern of borrowing infant-related terms across Romance languages.

Care and feeding: Newborns typically feed frequently, with many health guidelines recommending exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months, followed by the gradual introduction of complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding. Formula feeding is used when breastfeeding is not possible. Regular pediatric visits, vaccinations, and attention to hygiene and sleep safety are standard parts of infant care.

Development: Infants show rapid but variable progress in motor, social, and sensory skills. Typical milestones include lifting the head by 2–3 months, rolling over by 4–6 months, sitting with support by about 6–8 months, crawling around 8–12 months, and walking near the first birthday for many children. Visual and language skills also develop with age and interaction.

Cultural and safety notes: Practices around swaddling, sleeping arrangements, and daily routines vary by culture. Safe sleep guidelines emphasize placing the baby on their back in a firm, flat sleep surface and avoiding loose bedding or soft objects; car seats and other gear should be used according to manufacturer instructions.