How are babies and children important in Macbeth?

Babies and children are an important part of the witches' prophecy. Of course, Macbeth initially acts on their prophecy because they say that he will become king.... he kills Duncan because he thinks the witches have portended his future. Thus, he decides to hurry things along a bit.... with the help of his wife.

It doesn't take long, however, for Macbeth to think about the rest of the prophecy. Yes, they've predicted that he will be king, but they've also predicted that Banquo's children will hold the crown after him..... that Banquo will be greater than he on account of his issue. The fact that Macbeth has no children lies heavy on his heart, as his actions have been for nothing.

Macbeth quickly tries to grasp at whatever he can in order to change the prophecy, attemping to kill Banquo and his son. Unfortunately for Macbeth, Banquo's son survives, leaving the prophecy to come true.