What is the age group of a neonate?

Correct option is B

Sol. A neonate is defined as a newborn baby from birth up to 28 completed days of life. This stage is crucial because neonates undergo rapid physiological adaptations to life outside the womb and are highly vulnerable to infections, birth complications, and temperature instability. Specialized neonatal care during this time plays a key role in reducing neonatal mortality and ensuring healthy growth.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) 0 to 7 days – Represents only the early neonatal period, not the complete neonatal phase which lasts 28 days.
· (b) 0–28 days – Correct Answer. WHO, UNICEF, and national health guidelines define a neonate as an infant in this age range. Early detection and intervention are critical in this phase.
· (c) 1 month to one year – Referred to as the infant stage, not neonate. It includes later milestones like teething, weaning, and motor development.
· (d) 0 to 1 year – Too broad. This category includes both neonates and infants, so it doesn’t meet the specific definition of a neonate.