in·fan·cy

[in-fuhn-see]
noun, plural in·fan·cies.
1.
the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.
2.
the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage: Space science is in its infancy.
3.
infants collectively.
4.
Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.
Origin:
1485–95; < Latin infantia. See infant, -cy

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
infancy (ˈɪnfənsɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n , pl -cies
1.  the state or period of being an infant; childhood
2.  an early stage of growth or development
3.  infants collectively
4.  the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

infancy in·fan·cy (ĭn'fən-sē)
n.

  1. The earliest period of childhood, especially before the ability to walk has been acquired.

  2. The state of being an infant.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Example sentences
The economics of the new commons is still in its infancy.
And at that time, though, they were still in their infancy.
The technology is in its infancy and has limitations, including high cost and
  elaborate setup.
Internalising received statements is in its infancy.
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