Short Answer 
Babies can breathe and swallow simultaneously due to their higher larynx, allowing for better coordination during feeding, which minimizes choking risks. In contrast, adults have a lower larynx that necessitates stopping breathing while swallowing to prevent aspiration.
Step 1: Understanding Anatomical Differences
One key reason why babies can breathe and swallow at the same time is due to their unique anatomical structure. Infants have a higher larynx, which allows for a closer connection between the esophagus and trachea. This positioning is essential for their survival, as it facilitates the necessary coordination during feeding.
Step 2: Coordination During Feeding
The ability to breathe and swallow simultaneously is crucial for infants when they are feeding. Their anatomy allows them to perform three vital actions without stopping: sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This coordination minimizes the risk of choking, enabling babies to take in nourishment safely and efficiently.
Step 3: Contrasting with Adults
In contrast, adults possess a lower larynx position, which increases the separation between the airway and the esophagus. This shift means adults must stop breathing while swallowing to avoid aspiration‚ÄöAithat is, food or liquid entering the airway. Understanding this difference emphasizes why certain actions, like breathing and swallowing simultaneously, become unattainable for adults.