A baby kangaroo is called a "joey." When kangaroo mothers give birth, the joey is born at a very early stage of development and is about the size of a jellybean. After birth, the tiny joey climbs into its mother’s pouch, where it continues to grow and develop for several months. In the pouch, the joey latches onto the mother's teat for nourishment. As it matures, the joey begins to venture out of the pouch but continues to nurse until it is ready to be fully independent. The joey phase is vital for the development of these marsupials.