Hey everybody, I am going to have pediatric internship and suddenly something crossedon my mind, can I use "pet" for babies? I mean when we want to touch, love an animal we use pet,what about babies ,Can I say I am going to pet babies?

Question

Hey everybody, I am going to have pediatric internship and suddenly something crossedon my mind, can I use  "pet" for babies? I mean when we want to touch, love an animal we use pet,what about babies ,Can I say I am going to pet babies?

Answer

Not really, unless you are being  'ironic'  i e  suggesting that you want to treat a baby as you would a pet, stroking and maybe cuddling and talking to him or her.   It's better to talk about holding or cuddling a baby. 
NB.  something crossed my mind,  not  'on my mind'

Answer

Caress would be nice and appropriate.

Answer

I would use something like caress or stroke (a particular body part, like stroke the baby’s chin). Pet would sound very strange.

Answer

No, it would be unusual. Unless you are going to north east England where it seems everyone uses the word pet to everyone, young and old. Newcastle is famous for it!