What is a changeling?

Answer 1

Changeling: Changelings are the færie children that are left in the place of a stolen human baby. These babies are often deformed. A færie will raise the human child, though the child may be returned if the changeling can be made to laugh or if it is treated so badly that the færie parents are inclined to take it back. Although we associate tales of changelings with Celtic myth, tales of changelings are found in both Chinese and Native North American legend. Some have even associated the modern myth of alien abduction with changelings.

Answer 2

A changeling is a creature from folklore, often believed to be a fairy or elf, that is left in place of a human baby that has been stolen. It is said to have characteristics that give away its non-human nature, such as unusual behaviors or physical features.