How long do mommy sloths carry her baby?

A sloth's gestation period is about 6 months, and the baby sloth, called a "pup", is born fully formed. The pup stays with its mother for about 9 months, clinging to her belly and nursing. After 9 months, the pup is weaned and starts to explore on its own, but it will still stay close to its mother. The mother sloth will continue to protect and care for her pup until it is about 2 years old, when it will become fully independent.