Can the word "criatura" be used for any child?

Question

Can criatura be used to mean any child, or only an infant as the dictionary says'

Answer 1

criatura feminine noun

1. child (niño); baby (bebé)
2. creature (ser vivo)

Have a look at the second entry for "criatura"! I would guess that you could use the word to translate creature in whatever context you can use this English word.

Answer 2

You never really use criatura for a child. It's falls on the cruel side. Like it's almost not even alive. Hembrita? Yes. Chamacito? Yes. Abayarde? Definately. Maldito? Almost every second of every day. All the vanilla terms, Nina, Mija, etc., all fine. Criatura? NO.