To ask why most articles regarding babies refer to them as "she"

[BeHappyAndSmile]

So I'm a new mum to a wonderful 10 week old, naturally I've spent my fair share of time googling any and every thing about babies (what's a normal -insert anything- for a baby is the most common search). During these middle of the night Google sessions I've noticed 95% (ok maybe not exact but you get the idea) of articles refer to baby as "she". Why does the baby automatically have to be written in the feminine form? Why not use "they" or even just alternate?

I realise this is nothing in the grand scheme of things but....why?

I always found that in most places they alternate equally between she and he.

Because years ago there was an automatic default to 'he'. I suppose it's an attempt to address the balance.

@DramaAlpaca

Because years ago there was an automatic default to 'he'. I suppose it's an attempt to address the balance.

This.

@DramaAlpaca

Because years ago there was an automatic default to 'he'. I suppose it's an attempt to address the balance.

Yes that's right. I had my child in the 70s and I remember it starting to happen in the new baby books and magazine articles at the time. Prior to that it was all 'he'.

It’s also better than saying ‘it’, I think.

Yes. It always used to be 'he' as the default.

I've noticed that too, OP.
Many congrats, btw!

How refreshing to have female as the default. Makes a pleasant change.