Be Smart

Why are Human Babies So Helpless?

Within an hour of a baby giraffe being born, it’s standing, walking, and nursing on its own. Human babies on the other hand? We’re born unable to move or eat on our own, we can’t communicate or fully sense our world, and we leak EVERYWHERE. If humans are so smart, why are our babies so… un-smart? You may think it’s all about head size, but the real science is more complex.

Why are Human Babies So Helpless?

8m 19s

Within an hour of a baby giraffe being born, it’s standing, walking, and nursing on its own. Human babies on the other hand? We’re born unable to move or eat on our own, we can’t communicate or fully sense our world, and we leak EVERYWHERE. If humans are so smart, why are our babies so… un-smart? You may think it’s all about head size, but the real science is more complex.

Similar Shows

Far Out: show-poster2x3

Far Out

Science and Nature

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.