Why are girls called "Babes"???

I think that wud b as hard to answer as to answer 'why men are called dudes'!!! Neways, let me try.. They r called that way coz they are the ones who attract the maximum amount of attention from us guys, just like a new born baby attracts attention from everybody... 'Babes' is just derived from 'baby' I think... What say???

babes, because girls must taking care off, not for punching bag. :)