Baby monkeys are called infants, just like human babies. This terminology reflects the close evolutionary relationship between primates and humans, highlighting our shared ancestry and similar developmental patterns.

Monkey infants are born relatively well-developed compared to many other mammals, but they still require extensive parental care. Most monkey species carry their infants constantly during the early months of life. The babies cling to their mother's fur while she moves through the trees or across the ground, a behavior that helps protect them from predators and environmental hazards.

The development of monkey infants varies by species, but most follow a similar pattern of gradually increasing independence. In many species, infants begin to explore their surroundings while staying close to their mothers within a few weeks of birth. They learn essential survival skills through observation, play, and social interaction. This extended learning period is crucial for acquiring the complex social and environmental knowledge needed to thrive in their respective habitats. Some monkey species even engage in "allomothering," where females other than the mother help care for infants, creating a cooperative child-rearing system.