The word baby’s is the singular possessive version of baby. E.g., “My baby’s eyes are blue.” Also, babies’ is the plural possessive. E.g., “The mothers and I are taking our kids on a babies’ day out to the park.” Furthermore, the word babies is the standard plural form of baby.
The following chart shows the different versions of the word baby. As you can see, because baby ends in a “y,” the plural is formed with “-ies.”
Also, for the singular possessive, you need to add an apostrophe between the “y” and “s.” While for the plural possessive, you must add the apostrophe at the end of the word babies.
| Singular | Baby |
| Plural | Babies |
| Singular possessive | Baby’s |
| Plural possessive | Babies’ |
Here are some examples of the four forms in context.
- Singular: Many people say having a baby is the best thing that can happen to you.
- Plural: Looking after babies requires a lot of hard work.
- Singular possessive: My baby’s name is Jack.
- Plural possessive: My twin babies’ names are David and Mark.
The possessive examples show the difference between one and two babies possessing names. In the plural possessive example, because we mention twins, we cannot use a singular possessive.
Using the right version of baby can be tricky, and your writing will suffer if you get it wrong. Therefore, you should keep reading the rest of the page to discover more about using each form of the word baby.
Baby’s
The word baby’s is the singular possessive form of baby. Therefore, you can use it to refer to things that a single baby possesses.
You will often find yourself using the singular possessive to mention different parts of a baby’s anatomy or the things it owns. As shown in these examples:
- My baby’s nails are so small and cute.
- My baby’s room is painted yellow.
- The baby’s hair is starting to curl at the ends.
Furthermore, you can use the singular possessive to refer to non-physical aspects of a baby, such as its personality and the things it does.
- My baby’s laugh is so infectious.
- Her baby’s mood changes from one minute to the next.
- Everyone says my baby’s temperament is so calm.
- It’s surprising how distinct my baby’s personality is at such a young age.
In addition, you can use the familiar term baby’s day out to refer to an activity undertaken with a single baby.
- I took Jack for a baby’s day out in the local zoo.
- We had a wonderful baby’s day out at the botanical gardens.
- For her first birthday, we planned a baby’s day out at the children’s museum.
- The sunny weather was perfect for a baby’s day out at the beach.
However, as you will see in the next section, this term can also appear as a plural possessive.
Babies’
The term babies’ is the plural possessive version of baby. Therefore, you should use it to indicate that multiple babies possess or own something.
Obviously, babies do not own the same kinds of things that adults do. Consequently, the way you use the possessive of babies may be slightly different from other possessives.
You often use the plural possessive of baby to refer to parents. As shown in these examples:
- The babies’ mothers had a coffee morning at the local café.
- The babies’ parents met up for a group playdate at the park.
- The babies’ mothers were comparing notes on their sleep routines.
- A picnic was organized for the babies’ fathers to bond with their kids.
Furthermore, you often use it to refer to facilities and places designed for babies.
- The babies’ area at the resort was fun and safe.
- The new mall has an excellent babies’ changing room.
- The babies’ section in the library is full of colorful books and soft mats.
- The hotel provided cribs in the babies’ sleeping area.
- Our community center has a specialized babies’ swimming pool with warm water.
In addition, the popular term baby’s day out can also appear in plural if you mention more than one baby going for a day out.
- The local kinder took all the kids on a babies’ day out to the aquarium.
- Our neighborhood organized a babies’ day out at the pumpkin patch for Halloween.
- The twins club in our town regularly has a babies’ day out at different local attractions.
Babies
Babies is the plural version of baby. Therefore, you can use it when mentioning more than one baby in non-possessive sentences.
You can use the plural form in two ways.
Firstly, to refer to a specific number of babies. As shown in these examples:
- There were six babies on the flight, all screaming at once.
- At the playground, I saw three babies playing in the sandbox.
- The maternity ward was busy with seven babies being born on the same day.
- The twins club has expanded, now comprising ten babies who meet regularly for playdates.
Secondly, you can use the word babies to refer to all babies.
- I think babies should have their own area on long-haul flights.
- Babies often show a natural fascination for bright colors and patterns.
- Many parents believe that classical music has a soothing effect on babies.
- It’s amazing how quickly babies pick up on and mimic their surroundings.