The use of 'Babe' over time

The original meaning of this word was to refer to a small child or infant child. However this word was becoming narrowed because it was less commonly used for this meaning, it was being used as a slang word of describing an attractive woman. One description of why this may of happened is because at this time women were seen to have less social status and lower. So this was a common word that men would use towards their partner. So it has also gained a more positive meaning. But recently it is becoming more common for men to be called 'babe' by their partners. Therefore the meaning has become more of a general slang word to that they can call someone that is close to them.