Vagitus refers to the cry of a baby, particularly the very first cry of a newborn.
Understanding Vagitus
The term "vagitus" encompasses specific sounds made by infants, distinguishing between two primary contexts:
- Newborn's First Cry: This is the most significant and often referenced meaning. It describes the initial, crucial cry of a baby immediately after birth. This first cry is a vital event, signaling the expansion of the baby's lungs and the commencement of independent breathing outside the womb. It's a key milestone in a newborn's transition to life.
- General Infant Crying: Vagitus can also broadly refer to the crying or screaming of any baby or small child. This encompasses the various sounds infants make to communicate their needs, such as hunger, discomfort, or tiredness.
In essence, while it can describe any instance of an infant crying, its most poignant application is to the monumental first breath expressed as a cry by a newborn.
