Infant and toddler are terms used to describe young offspring who rely on their parents for survival. Both require feeding and clothing to grow healthy and strong, as well as constant adult supervision.
Key Takeaways
- Infants are babies under 1 year old, while toddlers are children between 1 to 3 years old.
- Infants primarily communicate through crying, while toddlers can speak in simple phrases.
- Infants only consume milk, whereas toddlers begin eating solid foods and continue to drink milk.
An infant, derived from the Latin term “infans” meaning speechless or not capable of speaking, is also known as a baby. A newborn infant refers to a baby born within hours, days, or weeks from birth. The term “newborn” encompasses post-mature infants, full-term newborns, and premature infants. In medical contexts, “newborn” (or neonate) refers to babies within their first 28 days from birth.
A toddler is a young child who has recently learned to walk. During this stage, children develop motor skills, social roles, and begin using their first language. This crucial developmental phase is characterized by a negativistic attitude, often saying no even when they mean yes. Toddlers are also curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings.
The main difference between infants and toddlers is their age and developmental milestones. Infants begin to crawl, while toddlers learn to walk and stand. In terms of communication, infants primarily cry, while toddlers start to form two-word phrases. Infants have no teeth, while toddlers have several teeth that continue to grow. Infants can barely hold objects, while toddlers enjoy throwing and picking them up.
Both infants and toddlers have basic needs essential for their healthy growth and development. Parents or caregivers must have patience when dealing with these young children.
