Compared to adults, an infant's stomach is...

An infant's stomach is less acidic compared to an adult's stomach. This difference arises due to the developmental stage of an infant's digestive system. The pH level in an infant's stomach is typically higher, making it less acidic. This is significant because the acidity in adult stomachs plays a crucial role in the digestion of food and in killing harmful bacteria.

In infants, the less acidic environment is a protective mechanism since their immature digestive systems are still adapting to various food sources and their immune systems are more vulnerable. As they grow and begin to ingest a wider variety of foods, their stomach acidity increases to levels more comparable to adults, facilitating better digestion and protection against pathogens.

Understanding this difference is vital for healthcare professionals when considering feeding practices, medication administration, and gastrointestinal health in infants compared to adults.