Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An infant refers to a baby or child in the early stages of development, typically from birth to one year old. During this stage, infants are highly dependent on caregivers for their basic needs and undergo rapid physical and cognitive growth.
Related terms
Developmental milestones: These are specific skills or abilities that infants acquire as they grow, such as rolling over, crawling, and babbling.
It is the emotional bond that forms between an infant and their primary caregiver(s), which plays a crucial role in their social and emotional development.
Motor reflexes: These are automatic movements that infants exhibit in response to certain stimuli, helping them survive and interact with their environment.