infancy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnf(ə)nsi/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the state or period of babyhood or early childhood: a son who died in infancy
  • the early stage in the development or growth of something: opinion polls were in their infancy
  • Law the condition of being a minor.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin infantia 'childhood, inability to speak', from infans, infant- (see infant)