Clinging Young: Science of In-arms Carrying

by Mel Cyrille, Henrik Norholt (Foreword)

"Active clinging young" is a description given by Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis in her research and subsequent book, A Baby Wants to Be Carried, to describe the intrinsic nature of human babies. Even so, in this day and age babies and children still tend to be considered passive passengers when we think about carrying. This book seeks to bring to life the active clinging concept by detailing some of the ways babies and children are incredibly designed to cling and how their caregivers are adapted to support active carrying. Clinging Science of In-arms Carrying explores areas such as the structural make-up of human adults and their young, links between breastfeeding and carrying, how clinging evolves as babies grow, the frictional properties of our skin and more. There are many fascinating discoveries to be made about how Homo sapiens are incredible “clingers” despite their lack of fur – especially when we factor in bipedalism. As we get to know the human body better we will also learn what the biological baseline for infant carrying looks like as well as what things we may need to be aware of to adapt to our modern-day cultural norms and needs.

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2018