A common characteristic of an infant or child abductor is that the person is typically a female of childbearing age (about 12–50 years old) who often pretends to be pregnant or to have recently given birth.

Typical abductor profile

  • Usually a female in the childbearing-age range, often described as emotionally immature and in need of attention or validation through having a baby.
  • Commonly claims to have been pregnant, to have recently delivered, or to have lost a baby, sometimes faking pregnancy symptoms to convince others.
  • Frequently is familiar with the local community or hospital where the abduction occurs rather than coming from far away.

Behavior around the abduction

  • Often plans the abduction in advance but does not always target a specific infant, instead seizing an opportunity when security is weaker.
  • May impersonate a nurse or other health care worker, wearing a uniform or badge and using medical language to gain the parents’ trust.
  • Commonly spends time observing staff routines, asking detailed questions about nursery procedures, visiting hours, and exit routes.

After taking the infant

  • Typically shows an ability to provide basic care to the baby and presents the infant to others as her own child.
  • The abduction is often motivated by a desire to save or stabilize a relationship or to fulfill a strong need to be seen as a parent.

TL;DR: On multiple-choice tests, the best answer to “Which of the following is a common characteristic of an infant or child abductor?” is usually “female, childbearing age (about 12–50 years).”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.