For parents raising their children in a Malay-speaking environment or learners looking to expand their vocabulary related to baby and childcare, mastering certain terms can be incredibly helpful. Here’s a list of essential Malay vocabulary related to babies and childcare, complete with definitions and examples:
Baby
In Malay, a baby is called “bayi.” This term refers to an infant or a very young child.
Adik saya baru sahaja melahirkan seorang bayi lelaki.
Botol susu
This means “milk bottle” in Malay and is used for feeding babies with milk, whether expressed breast milk or formula.
Saya perlu membersihkan botol susu sebelum memberikannya kepada bayi.
Pam susu
This is a “breast pump,” a device used by breastfeeding mothers to express milk from their breasts.
Dia menggunakan pam susu untuk mengeluarkan susu semasa bekerja.
Lampin
This term means “diaper” or “nappy.” It’s an essential part of baby’s hygiene to keep them dry and comfortable.
Kita perlu membeli lampin baru kerana stoknya sudah hampir habis.
Stroller
This is the Malay term for “baby stroller,” a device on wheels that parents use to take their babies out for a walk.
Stroller ini sangat ringan dan mudah dibawa berjalan-jalan.
Kerusi tinggi
Known as “high chair” in English, this piece of furniture helps babies sit at the table and eat with the rest of the family.
Anak saya suka duduk di kerusi tinggi kerana dia dapat melihat semua orang di meja makan.
Gendongan bayi
This translates to “baby carrier,” a device used for carrying a baby on one’s body.
Gendongan bayi ini sangat membantu ketika saya perlu melakukan kerja rumah.
Mainan
This word means “toys,” objects designed for babies and children to play with.
Saya beli banyak mainan baru untuk merangsang perkembangan otak bayi saya.
Bedung
In Malay, “bedung” refers to the act of swaddling a baby or the cloth used for it.
Bedung bayi sebelum tidur dapat membantunya berasa lebih selamat dan nyenyak.
Dodol
This is a term that means “pacifier” or “dummy,” an object that babies may suck on for comfort.
Bayi itu tenang selepas diberi dodol.
Powder
Borrowed from English, “powder” in Malay often refers to “baby powder” used to prevent diaper rash and keep a baby’s skin dry and comfortable.
Pastikan mengguna powder selepas menukar lampin untuk mengelakkan ruam.
Buku cerita
These are “storybook” or “picture book” designed for children, often with illustrations to engage a child’s imagination.
Buku cerita ini sangat bagus untuk perkenalkan binatang dan warna kepada anak saya.
Makanan bayi
Translating to “baby food,” this means any soft, easily consumable food that is specifically made for babies.
Saya menyiapkan makanan bayi yang diblend dengan pelbagai buah dan sayur.
Understanding and using these vocabulary items effectively can help in daily childcare activities and improve communication for those interacting within a Malay-speaking community. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just looking to learn a new language, these terms are a great addition to your linguistic toolkit.