Infant Meaning
Infant Definition & Usage
A very young child or baby, typically under the age of one.
Examples
- "The infant slept soundly in her crib."
- "After months of waiting, they finally brought home their infant from the hospital."
- "The nurse instructed the new parents on how to care for their infant."
- "Infants require a lot of attention and care, especially in the first few months."
- "The infant's laughter filled the room, bringing joy to everyone around."
A young child under the legal age of adulthood, often referenced in legal contexts regarding parental care or guardianship.
Examples
- "The court ruled in favor of the infant’s custody being awarded to the mother."
- "In many countries, infants cannot be held legally responsible for actions until they reach a certain age."
- "Infants are typically given special legal protections in cases involving adoption or welfare."
- "Parents must provide adequate living conditions for their infants to meet health and safety regulations."
- "The law requires that infants have a legal guardian who makes decisions on their behalf."
Describing something that is in its early or undeveloped stages.
Examples
- "The company is still in its infant stages, but it has great potential."
- "Their idea for a new app is in its infant phase, with many more updates to come."
- "The research project is in its infant form and still requires a lot of testing."
- "The infant technology has yet to be refined for broader use in the market."
- "Even though the company is in its infant stage, it has already attracted significant investment."
Cultural Context
'Infant' is widely used in both medical and legal contexts, referring to babies or young children who have not yet reached the age of one. The term holds significance in child development, where the infant stage is considered crucial for emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. In some cultures, the word 'infant' emphasizes a vulnerable and dependent stage of life, requiring intense care and nurturing.
The Infant's First Steps
Story
The Infant's First Steps
In a small town nestled near the hills, Lily and James welcomed their first child, Emma, into the world. As their infant daughter lay in her crib, a peaceful smile on her face, they marveled at the tiny hands and feet that were still so delicate. It was hard to imagine that this little infant would one day be running around, calling them 'mom' and 'dad'. But for now, she needed all their care. They took turns holding her as she slept, each of them silently promising to be the best parents they could be. Months passed, and Emma began to grow. Her once infant-like features turned into those of a curious toddler. One day, when Lily returned home from work, she was greeted by the sight of Emma standing by the door, her legs wobbling as she took her first steps. ‘She’s no longer an infant,’ James whispered in awe. ‘She’s growing up so fast.’ While Emma was no longer an infant, they both agreed that those early days, when she was entirely dependent on them, were precious. Emma’s first steps marked the end of her infancy, but they cherished each moment of her development. The transition from infant to toddler was bittersweet, yet exciting as they witnessed their daughter’s new abilities. They knew that every stage of Emma’s life was significant, from her first cry as an infant to the first words she spoke as a toddler. Each moment, however fleeting, was one they would never forget.