What is the age range classified as a child?

In the context of classification systems and developmental psychology, the definition of a "child" varies among different organizations and research frameworks. The most widely accepted age range for defining a child is often considered to be from 2 years old up to but not including 12 years old. This aligns with the answer that specifies 2 to 11 years and 364 days, providing the precision that includes the entire age span just before a child reaches adolescence, which is typically recognized at age 12.

This definition captures critical developmental milestones occurring in early childhood and leads into the later stages of growth. It embraces varying aspects of childhood, covering vital periods for cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The choice effectively represents the commonly accepted age markers regulated by various legal, educational, and social guidelines.

The other options, while plausible in their age definitions, do not align perfectly with this widely accepted framework. For instance, some options might encompass ages that extend into young adolescence or exclude crucial early ages from developmental considerations. The specificity in the accepted age span is essential for consistent application across different fields related to child care, education, and health.