So, why is it that we moms (and other mammals) prefer to carry our babies on the left side? It all comes down to the way our brains are wired!
You see, the right side of the brain is responsible for processing social and emotional information, while the left side of the brain is responsible for analyzing sensory information. By carrying our babies on the left side, moms are able to keep their little ones close to their hearts while still being able to use their right hand to interact with the world around them.
Plus, holding a baby on the left side allows moms to better monitor their little one's vital signs, like their heart rate and breathing. And let's face it, being a mom can be tiring, so having the ability to switch arms when one gets tired is a definite bonus!
But wait, there's more! This preference for the left side may actually have some evolutionary and biological reasons behind it. The right side of our brain is responsible for processing social cues and emotions, so by holding the baby on the left side, the mother is able to better read the baby's facial expressions and respond to their needs.
Plus, holding the baby on the left side may also be a way to protect the baby's vital organs from harm. Our hearts are located on the left side of our bodies, so by holding the baby on the left side, the mother is keeping the baby closer to her own heart and providing an added layer of protection.
So, next time you catch yourself naturally holding your baby on the left side, remember that it's not just a coincidence! It's a natural instinct that has been honed by evolution to provide the best care and protection for our little ones.
So there you have the scientific explanation for why moms hold babies on the left side. But let's be real, moms are superheroes who can carry their babies on either side (or even both!) with ease.
So whether you're a left-side or right-side baby carrier, just know you're doing an amazing job. Keep on nomming!
Now, I'm curious to know - do you carry your child more on the left side or on the right side? Let's start a conversation in the comments below and see if the study holds true for all of us moms out there.
References:
1- Study in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution
2- Hübscher, I., Molina-Villegas, M. A., & Gil-Jaurena, J. (2019). Maternal lateralization of holding position in the genus Homo: A possible inherited evolutionary trait. Nature ecology & evolution, 3(3), 421-426.