Care of newborn babies

When compared with other animals, the difference in the time spent looking after our young is amazing. Very close and lengthy parenting is one of the most different features of the human species compared to others.

The human baby as we have seen must be born with a very small underdeveloped brain. Other animals remain safe and warm inside the mother during this time when it is growing enough so the baby can look after itself very soon after it is born. Human babies must continue this vital development stage in a completely new and harsh environment outside the womb. This pattern can also be seen in kangaroos but young kangaroos have the benefit of a pouch with a nipple in it.