There are many obvious physical differences between infants and toddlers, but there are also some developmental differences. In this post we will explore the key changes that occur during a baby’s first two years of life. We will also look at some of the challenges faced by both parents and children during this time period. By understanding these differences, we can better help our young ones grow and thrive.
What is an Infant?
An infant ( From the Latin word infants, meaning “unable to speak” or “speechless”) is the more formal or specialized synonym for “baby”, the very young offspring of a human. The term may also refer to juveniles of other organisms.
- A newborn is, in colloquial use, an infant who is only hours, days, or up to one month old. In medical contexts, newborn or neonate (from Latin, neonates, newborn) refers to an infant in the first 28 days after birth; the World Health Organization defines neonate as “a baby who is less than four weeks old”.
- In British English, a newborn baby is also known as a newborn. When a mother gives birth to a baby, her obstetrician delivers the infant. After delivery, a respiratory therapist suctions fluids and mucus from the baby’s mouth and nose.
- Newborns have immature and relatively large livers and adrenal glands compared with other primates remained Woods et al. showed that human fetuses exhibited two stress-response systems: one mediated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and one by cortisol.
- These results suggest that two functionally distinct stress-response systems are already operational prenatally in human beings.” So an infant is an offspring of a human that has not yet reached maturity or an age where it can start caring for itself.
An infant cannot yet communicate using speech but can make sounds and gestures to express their needs. Newborns have immature organs and need constant care and attention from adults. They are also vulnerable to diseases and need to be vaccinated against infections.
What is a Toddler?
A toddler is a young child who is between the ages of one and three. Toddlers are just learning to walk and talk, and they are discovering the world around them. They are also starting to develop their own personalities and preferences. At this age, toddlers can be very active and playful, or they may be more reserved and introspective. Either way, they are a joy to watch as they learn and grow.
Difference between an Infant and a Toddler
When it comes to an infant and a toddler, most people think that they are one in the same. Although they are both young children, there are actually quite a few differences between an infant and a toddler. For one, an infant is much smaller than a toddler. Infants also have a shorter attention span and need to be fed more frequently than toddlers. Additionally, an infant’s skull is not as hard as a toddler’s, making them more susceptible to head injuries. Finally, an infant’s immune system is not as developed as a toddler’s, making them more prone to illness. Although an infant and a toddler may seem similar, there are actually quite a few differences between the two.
Conclusion
So, what’s the difference between an infant and a toddler? In short, infants are learning to develop their abilities to think, feel, and move. They learn best through exploration and social interaction with caregivers and other children. Toddlers have already developed many of these skills and are now working on refining them. They learn primarily through imitation and trial and error. As your child grows, you will see new developments in cognition, communication, socialization, mobility, and self-care.
