Baby

A baby, defined medically, refers to a human offspring from the moment of birth until the age of one year. This period, labeled infancy, constitutes a phase of intense growth and development. During this time, babies undergo rapid physical changes including weight gain, length increase, and the development of motor skills such as rolling over, sitting, and eventually standing and walking. Cognitive and emotional milestones such as social smile, recognition of caregivers, and babbling also characterize this stage. Regular pediatric check-ups are crucial to monitor the infant's growth trajectory and to ensure vaccinations are administered according to the immunization schedule.

From a medical standpoint, infancy is marked by a high dependency on caregivers for nutrition and care, with breastfeeding recommended as the optimal form of sustenance for at least the first six months. Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases due to their developing immune systems, which is why proper nutrition, hygiene, and preventive healthcare are imperative. The baby's brain develops rapidly during this time, laying down neural pathways that will impact cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities throughout life. Pediatric healthcare focuses on supporting this development through early intervention programs when delays or abnormalities are identified.