nursling
Babe at breast
A nursling is a baby or young animal that is being nursed—still feeding at the breast or udder.
The word extends to any creature or thing being carefully nurtured: The garden was her nursling, tended daily.
Literary and somewhat old-fashioned, it emphasizes dependence and the need for care.
Very young child
- newbornInfant just delivered
- neonateInfant under 28 days
- babeAffectionate partner name
- totVery young child
bairn · little one · cherub · papoose · swaddled · bundle of joy · foundling · changeling
Nurse an infant naturally
- suckleFeed at the breast
- lactationMammary gland secretion
- weanGradually withdraw dependence
- colostrumInitial postpartum milk
milk · bottle-feed · formula · latch · feed · sustenance
Protected person; division
- chargeCost or accusation
- protegeOne receiving expert guidance
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- helplessUnable to act independently
Gentle, caring quality
- protectionGuarding against harm
- guardianshipLegal care of another
- fosteringPromoting development or growth
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
cradling · swaddling · rocking · soothing · coddling · doting · attentiveness · safeguarding
baby
Very young child
tot · bairn · little one · cherub · papoose · swaddled · bundle of joy · foundling · changeling
breastfeed
Nurse an infant naturally
colostrum · milk · bottle-feed · formula · latch · feed · sustenance
ward
Protected person; division
- chargeCost or accusation
- protegeOne receiving expert guidance
- vulnerableOpen to attack
tenderness
Gentle, caring quality
- protectionGuarding against harm
- guardianshipLegal care of another
- fosteringPromoting development or growth
watchfulness · cradling · swaddling · rocking · soothing · coddling · doting · attentiveness · safeguarding · sheltering