The Evolved Nest
Darcia Narvaez
2021
Drawing on anthropology, neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, Darcia Narvaez explores how our ancestral caregiving practices shaped human development — and what happens when modern life disrupts them. The book presents the “Evolved Nest” model, which includes practices like extended breastfeeding, constant physical closeness, alloparenting, and responsive caregiving, as vital to raising thriving children and healthy societies.
Why It’s Included:
It offers a powerful affirmation of many natural parenting practices — including babywearing, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and gentle discipline — as biologically appropriate and essential for optimal development. Narvaez connects these practices not only to individual wellbeing, but to community health and ecological sustainability.
Who It’s For:
Ideal for parents, educators, and advocates of gentle parenting, this book also appeals to those interested in attachment theory, Indigenous wisdom, and holistic approaches to child-rearing.
“Sometimes challenging, this book draws upon evidence-based research to support the natural parenting choices which are core to this community, including breastfeeding, babywearing and cosleeping, while also addressing the damage modern lifestyles have caused our natural environment. Can we resolve the conflicting needs of infants and parents in the 21st Century?”
Further Reading:
Why Love Matters – Sue Gerhardt
Parenting for a Peaceful World – Robin Grille
