NEWBORN INFANT Meaning and
Definition
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A newborn infant refers to a child who has just been born, typically within the first four weeks of life. This term specifically denotes the very early stage of infancy. Infants at this stage are characterized by their fragility and lack of functional independence. They are usually small in size, have a limited range of movement, and possess certain distinctive physiological characteristics, such as a soft skull, fused eyelids, and minimal muscle control.
Newborn infants are entirely dependent on their caregivers for sustenance, as they are unable to consume solid foods and rely solely on breast milk or formula for their nutritional needs. Similarly, they are dependent on adults for all aspects of care, including bathing, diaper changing, and assistance with basic bodily functions.
Due to their recent emergence into the world, newborns often show signs of adjusting to their surroundings. They may seem drowsy or sleepy for prolonged periods, interrupted by sporadic episodes of alertness. They also exhibit a strong sucking reflex and may cry frequently to communicate their needs.
The newborn stage is a critical and sensitive period of development for infants. During this time, they gradually adapt to life outside the womb, experience significant neurological and sensory development, and bond with their caregivers. Healthcare and close monitoring are essential for ensuring the well-being and healthy growth of newborn infants.
Common Misspellings for NEWBORN INFANT
- bewborn infant
- mewborn infant
- jewborn infant
- hewborn infant
- nwwborn infant
- nswborn infant
- ndwborn infant
- nrwborn infant
- n4wborn infant
- n3wborn infant
- neqborn infant
- neaborn infant
- nesborn infant
- ne3born infant
- ne2born infant
- newvorn infant
- newnorn infant
- newhorn infant
- newgorn infant
Etymology of NEWBORN INFANT
The word "newborn infant" has a fairly straightforward etymology.
"Newborn" comes from the Old English word "neowern", which is a combination of "neo", meaning "new", and "weorpan", meaning "to bring forth" or "to become". Over time, the word evolved into the Middle English "newebern" and eventually became the modern English "newborn".
"Infant" comes from the Latin word "infans", which means "speechless" or "non-speaking". In Latin, "in" means "not", and "fari" means "to speak". Therefore, "infant" essentially means "not speaking" or "one who cannot speak". The word entered Old French as "enfant" and later developed into Middle English as "infant", remaining relatively unchanged in modern English usage.
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