Child, kid, and baby all refer to young people, but they apply to different age groups and have different connotations. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word in context.
Child
Meaning: A person from birth up to puberty (usually around age 12-13).
Usage: Neutral and formal; commonly used in education, law, and official contexts.
Form: Can be singular (child) or plural (children).
Examples:
- The child is reading a book.
- Children must attend school.
- The hospital specializes in child care.
______ must attend school.
Children must attend school.
'Children' is the correct plural form when referring to young people required to attend school. 'Kids' is informal and less commonly used in official contexts, while 'babies' are too young for school.
Kid
Meaning: An informal term for a child, usually from about age 3 to 12.
Usage: Casual and conversational; often used by parents and in everyday speech.
Form: Same singular and plural form (kid/kids).
Examples:
- The kids are playing outside.
- Are you a kid or an adult?
- That’s a cool toy for kids.
Baby
Meaning: A very young child, typically from birth to 1 or 2 years old.
Usage: Specific to early infancy; can be used affectionately in family settings.
Form: Singular (baby) or plural (babies).
Examples:
- The baby is sleeping.
- She has a baby brother.
- Babies need a lot of care.
Child, kid, and baby refer to young people at different stages and in different contexts. Child is formal and broad, kid is informal and casual, and baby is specific to infancy.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
