Maternal and Paternal Differences in Infant Carry: U.S. and African Data

Abstract

Over 4,000 adult-child groupings (Seattle and Dakar) in a variety of public places were observed. They were classified by sex and age of adults accompanying children; sex and age of infant, child or juvenile; the side (right or left) on which (and the way in which) the adult was carrying, in contact with, or in proximity to the child. The United States data indicated that sex and age of infant, sex of parent, and whether the infant was accompanied by both its parents are important parameters in the way infants are carried. Adult females carried infants of less than 1 yr predominantly on the left side; the effect was strongest for male infants. Adult males exhibited no such left-side bias. The African data (Wolof tribes) suggested that infants also choose to place their heads nearer the heart on the left side. The possibility that maternal and paternal care may have different evolutionary origins is considered.