The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bantling \Bant"ling\, n. [Prob. for bandling, from band, and
   meaning a child wrapped in swaddling bands; or cf. G.
   b[aum]ntling a bastard, fr. bank bench. Cf. Bastard, n.]
   A young or small child; an infant. [Slightly contemptuous or
   depreciatory.]
   [1913 Webster]

         In what out of the way corners genius produces her
         bantlings.                               --W. Irving.
   [1913 Webster]