Ok, so given the weather we are having I could be about to start harping on about why on earth we have sun one minute and freezing cold the next. Hello May, can you sort yourself out please?
Instead I thought we could have a lighthearted discussion on the so called pros and cons of having a summer or a winter baby and whether your children were born (or are due to be born) in the sun or snow?!
Molly was born in late November and Alice in early July so I have both extremes covered in my family. I am also an October baby so very much in the (nearly) winter camp.
My husband and I have had many discussions over this matter and most revolve around school. It’s funny how even before that tiny person arrives things become measured by school years. I guess it is because such a large part of your child’s life is spent in education and thus dictated by their relevant age in comparison to their friends.
Molly starts school this September and will be one of the oldest in her year whereas Alice is going to be the tiny baby for her year. The way their birthdays fall also mean they will only be one school year apart which is odd in itself.
When it comes to schooling we have worried about how Alice will fare being the young one. Yes she is super confident and in ways much more advanced than Molly was. That’s what having a big sister does I guess. But you read so many reports about how summer babies don’t do as well at school and are at a disadvantage. I personally think that is a load of tosh. My brother is a June baby and is quite possibly the most genius person I know.
Then there is the whole thing that I loved being one of the oldest in my year. It meant I got to do things like drive and drink (not together obviously!) before my friends. I am well aware that is a long time off for Molly and Alice but believe me I do feel for little Alice being the last one out of her friends.
Aside from the practicalities of school and year group friends there are much more fun aspects to consider.
How much did I long for a summer party? One that was outdoors and allowed me to run around outside in summer attire rather than a yearly Halloween party I had instead. Alice gets to have (paddling) pool parties and Molly is confined, in the most, to indoor activities.
Then there is the pregnancy side of things. Being heavily pregnant during a heatwave is not much fun. Neither is labour for that matter. Both of which I encountered. However, it did mean that I then had the enjoyment of being able to be straight outside on walks and adventures with Alice. Whilst with Molly I was concerned about the poor thing freezing if we ventured outdoors. No trip could be made without layers of clothing and numerous blankets which believe me is no fun when the inevitable nappy change occurs. It was also dark, gloomy and cold so I had a severe case of cabin fever.
So enough of my rambling. What are your thoughts? Were you a summer or winter baby or what have you experienced with your children?
Image by Anna Hardy
We have one October baby already and another on the way. My husband and I are both October September babies. For me, the best bit so far has been managing to get out and about before winter really set in with a newborn. We had a few crisp walks in the park before the snow and ice meant I couldn’t really leave the house. By then, people could come to us and we could go to them. It certainly made maternity leave easier.
But pregnancy, tubes and a heatwave? Grimmmmm.
The school thing is rubbish. My cousins little boy is some kind of whizz and despite being the very end of August has been moved UP a year. So he’s with children almost two years older than him.
Oooh, hot tubes and pregnancy definitely don’t mix. Not fun at all. I’m not convinced on the school thing either so nice to hear about your cousins boy. Go him! x
I’m expecting my first baby this November, I’m hoping this means lots of cosy cuddles! Being winter I think it will be more difficult to get out and about and face the cold, wind and rain but whilst the winter and dark nights can sometimes feel a bit bleak we will have a little newborn to look forward to. As for being pregnant during the summer I’m debating whether it’s actually going to warm up yet so I will have to see how I get on in the coming months (If that comment doesn’t bring on a heatwave I don’t know what will!).
I really hope your comment does bring on the heatwave Alice!! Molly was November and it was nice having newborn snuggles when you can’t get out and about so much. My mum also told me to pop a hot water bottle down the end of her pram and a blanket underneath the pram mattress which would make it cosier for her if we did go out on walks. Now, where’s this heatwave?! x
My son was born in August and the amount of people who told me when I was pregnant he would struggle at school. One person asked if I could try and keep him until September (genuinely)- and my due date was 1st August ? I have friends that have tried to conceive so their children are older in the year too. It never even occurred to me when trying! I’m July, my husband is September. Both loved school. I’m no genius but I never struggled. However being heavily pregnant last summer was horrendous, so I’d like to avoid that next time!
As if they said that Anna?! We do didn’t try for specific dates although my husband always said lets try and avoid December or August. He’s December and hates having his birthday then. Molly’s due date was, you guessed it, December and Alice’s was August!! Not good planning there then. Both were born 3 weeks early though so we just managed to miss them!! And yes, I was the same with the heatwave. Never again xx
We had our little boy 7 weeks ago and have loved having the lighter mornings and being to get out and about, sit in the garden with him. To the point where I actually said to my husband the other day “how do people do this in the winter?!” Seriously, multiple night feeds in January?!
I do think however early April is too unpredictable a time of year to plan future outdoor birthday parties with any certainty (although is any month safe?!) so may be destined to a life of indoor parties (that could perhaps spill outside of the weather allowed).
As an aside, I am a June baby and absolutely loved being the baby of the year! And hasn’t done me any harm!
Congratulations Nicky! It is so nice being outside and I had completely forgotten about the freezing cold night feeds! Brrrr. You may be lucky in April, you just never know. Alice has had pouring rain on her actual birthday so July doesn’t guarantee a summer party. We are in England after all!! x
My daughter was born in April and I loved that I came out of the new mummy ‘fog’ to sunny walks, picnics in the park with my new mummy friends, we even spent a fair few evenings in pub gardens. I’m pregnant with my second and due in October and although so excited, I’m scared senseless of being housebound due to the weather with a toddler. I’m definitely more of an outdoors person. I love nothing more than taking T to the park, playing in the sand or just popping her on the back of my bike and going on an adventure. I don’t fair well being stuck inside (although there is something to be said about snuggling in front of a log burner with a coffee or if you’re feeling crazy enough big glass of red) so although I’m not afraid of the elements (although my hair would beg to differ) I know I won’t be able to be as mobile when our newest edition comes along and I’m slighlty freaking out.
I’m sure I’ll find a way to amuse my daughter, enjoy the winter months and not send us both stir crazy but any tips would be welcome.
You (and your hair!) will be fine Natalie! Hopefully you will have some dry days and so long as it isn’t chucking it down you should be able to be out and about. Slightly harder juggling two but we did a lot of trips to the park even if they were both bundled up warm. I found the baby carrier a lifesaver as I could put Alice in that but still help Molly in the park, pushing on the swings etc. If I was lucky Alice would sleep in her pram so I could have a bit of time with Molly. We also discovered a good local farm park which had both indoor and outdoor spaces so if the rain came down we could head inside to see the animals or have a run around the soft play. Being in a confined outdoor space was slightly easier with a toddler and a baby rather that wide open areas hence the park working well. That or always trying to take someone with me! Good luck xx
My daughter was born in early October, I went into hospital in a sun dress and came out needing coats and boots! I found the nights drawing in and a colicky baby a really tough combination, something about the darkness and not being able to escape made me quite anxious. It would have been lovely to be able to go out for a stroll in the light evenings of summer when hubby got home from work! But it did mean lots of lovely snuggles and cosy pub corners at the weekends, and once summer rolled around she was crawling and we were able to be outside as she learnt to explore. Next time, I’d love to have a spring or summer baby I think – just so I’ve experienced both – but you never know when these little monkeys are going to come along!
I felt the same Liv about the darkness. I’m not good with the short days at the best of times but you make it though don’t you. And hooray for sunny days with baby crawling around the garden. Sounds bliss xx
Our girl was born on March 18th which was perfect for us- by the time I felt well enough to be out and about it was full Spring and blossom time, but I didn’t feel I had missed out on any beautiful weather! Plus she had options for her birthday- St Patrick’s Day or Easter. I foresee many druken uni parties when she is grown up!
I’m an August birthday and never struggled academically- but did have major social issues as people would always be on holiday for my birthday! So I ended up having parties at the end of the summer term.
We are going to try again in December as I would like an Autumn baby- crispy leaves and the turn of the year appeal, and it’s nice to spread out the birthday carnage! Of course, it doesn’t work like that- relaxed whenever baby decides to show up!
Love that you are thinking of her uni days already. My house mates birthday at uni was actual Paddys day so it was always a lot of fun. Oh yes, I know a few people who have to switch their kids parties around because everyone is away. You could be like the queen and have two birthdays! xx
My little girl is a June baby, I’m a September and hubby is August.
When I was pregnant people kept telling me what a lovely time of year to have a baby it was. I must admit I was confused because surely having a baby is lovely whenever it happens.
However, I agree with Nicky, I do think it made the sleep deprived new born days easier. I always felt much better being up feeding when it was light and birds were singing even if it was 4.30am!
I don’t really think the school thing matters. My husband and I are the same school year despite me being nearly a whole year older than him. He is super clever and did some of his GCSEs early.
I think the day I gave birth last year was one of the first sunny days we had. I got so fed up of people telling me what a lovely day it was lol.
June is a good month I reckon and totally agree on the light mornings. So much easier xx
My daughter, Vienna was born in July 2015 – on THE hottest day of the year no less! That was tough going in the labour room – I had my husband fetching me constant supplies of Costa ice coolers. The last weeks of pregnancy were no walk in the park either in the heat – I remember going out for short car trip to have my entire back soaked with sweat after about 5 minutes. Not cool.
I struggle with the winter and cold myself (just that I hate it!) so was really pleased to have a summer baby – lots of summer strolls, sitting outside coffee shops & milk feeds in the garden. But, this meant the early days of weaning coincided with the deepest, darkest days of winter meaning I couldn’t just strip her down to nothing…cue LOTS of washing muslin bibs, stained clothes and a VERY messy floor! Until I discovered the joy of tommee tippee catcher bibs. You live and learn…
Another added bonus of a summer baby (for me, anyway) is when I do begrudgingly return to work in a few months time, it’s half way pleasant to get up in the morning. God, I don’t half struggle with that in the winter (baby or no baby!)
Never really thought of the school thing…I hope there’s no truth in that!
Why didn’t I think of the Ice coolers?! I was roasting when I had Alice. It was ridiculously hot. However, like you, I did love the summer walks and days out. That is so true about the return to work. I hadn’t even considered that but hopefully will make it a bit easier for you xx
My little boy is a June baby and his little sister is due to be as well (unless she surprises us this week!). I loved having a summer baby and wouldn’t have it any other way. I loved being out in the garden, going for walks without worrying about layers and layers of clothes (also makes bf on the go easier!) and with the long light days, I only really had to do one night feed in the dark which psychologically really helped me in those early weeks. This summer I’m counting on being able to let my toddler run riot in our garden while I sit in the shade with the baby. If we were all cooped up inside I think we’d all lose our minds!
Dealing with a newborn and a heatwave can be hard too though, my mum actually hid my gro egg because it constantly being red was really stressing me out and I remember some days sitting on the couch both in our underwear with a fan pointed at us feeding all day in front of box sets!
Love that your mum hid the gro egg! xx
My son was born in January (I am also a January baby) and there is something so lovely about just being able to snuggle indoors with your new born when it is all cold and miserable outside. It feels like you aren’t really missing out on anything. I am now due early October with my second and the weather could still be potentially sunny. however, I am not looking forward to the summer commute into London. It was much easier being heavily pregnant in winter and just covering up in leggings and jumpers!
Very jealous of cosy new born snuggles. Hooray for leggings and jumpers xxx
I am expecting my first in early December and this is just what I was envisaging! Thank you!!
Hadn’t thought about the forgiving jumpers I can wear afterwards…woohoo! X
Good luck with the commute – my friend armed herself with a massive baby on board badge and handheld fan!!
Hector was born in October which was absolutely wonderful from so many perspectives. Autumn is really special to us, we started going out 13 years ago (!!) this year against the backdrop of crisp brightly coloured leaves and got married at the end of October in 2012 so to have our first baby born at this time of year really brought things full circle. It wasn’t intended this way but just felt like it was meant to be when we found out. It also meant we were able to make the most of Autumn with him as a teeny tot before Winter set in – lots of walks in parks under the falling leaves. I also love the idea that I’ll get to have longer with him before he goes to school (he’ll be nearly five whereas some children will only just have turned four). That said, not being able to drink during the summer months when you’re hot and miserable and pregnant was tough although I definitely made the most of being able to drink at Christmas instead. Mentally too I liked the fact I got pregnant and gave birth in the same year and before Christmas too which meant that I felt like I hadn’t been pregnant forever; it was all done and dusted in 2014.
I’m a February baby myself and Ste is a July baby so we’re all pretty spread out. Re the academic thing, I think there is an element of truth in it although there will ALWAYS be exceptions to the rule. I’m one of three girls and two of us are born in Winter months (I count Feb as Winter!) whereas the middle one is an August baby and she definitely found it harder academically at school.
Such a cute story Lolly. Perfect addition to your little family at your favourite time of year xxx
Our first baby is due early October and I’m quite excited about the new born cuddles in the run up to Christmas. My husband and I both adore Christmas and the build up so I think it will be nice to have the baby in October and we should all hopefully be settled by Christmas. I also think I’ll be glad that I can wear big winter coats and jumpers after the birth. I think I will feel like hibernating after the birth and autumn/winter gives you an excuse not to leave the house lol!
We didn’t consider any of these things when we decided to start trying for a baby, but I just said to my mum the other day when we go again I might try to avoid being in the early stages of pregnancy at the height of the winter as the worst symptom I had was INCREDIBLY painful boobs in the cold! like tear inducing pain. That may be worth considering next time.
Thoughts go out to any ladies heavily pregnant on the London tubes during Summer – it’s painful enough in the heat minus the baby bump. My friend endured this last year and said it was a form of human torture lol
Oh gosh, definitely try and avoid winter then in that case! We have enough pregnancy symptoms as it is! x
It’s funny – I’ve had very strong reactions from family about when a baby is born. We had a successful round of IVF this year and our baby is due in November 🙂 people thought we were crazy as when we started the process it looked like we’d have a December baby if it worked. (As it was our round was super quick and surprised everyone involved!!) We felt quick hurt by this reaction – for us a baby is a baby and it will be wonderful whenever it’s born. Perhaps as it’s our first we’re being rather naive about this?!?! I’m think November = cuddle time and cosy times at home and then hopefully a lovely summer when baby is more active 🙂
As an aside my best friend’s birthday is 23rd December and her thoughts are it is really quite a fun time to have a birthday!
Good luck to everyone expecting, whatever the time of year 🙂 xxx
Thank you for saying this! I am not yet a mum and have been reading these comments thinking ‘but how on earth can I plan this when I don’t even know whether I can get pregnant, never mind when it will happen’. So thank you for reminding us that the main thing is a happy, healthy baby who is loved. I know commenters aren’t trying to take away from this message and of course it’s fine to have a preference as to time of year, and it’s lovely to hear everyone’s experiences, but sometimes it can’t be planned and we just have to make the best of whatever month we get : )
xx
Definitely agree on a happy and healthy baby India. Ours definitely didn’t end up being anywhere like I thought they would be. After problems conceiving Molly we were rather happy when Alice was going to make her entrance slightly earlier than planned even if she is going to be the baby of her year. She’s definitely big enough to stand her ground! x
Hi Sarah, Congrats! I can’t believe your family have been so strong on their opinions. Like you we really didn’t care what month the baby was born. Initially we thought September or October would be great but after issues conceiving Molly we really didn’t care when she arrived. It was November in the end so you are definitely in for a few months of cuddles at home if my experience is anything to go by. Good luck xxx
Our little one is due at the end of July – on my birthday actually 😀 (although everyone seems to be convinced he’ll be early). I loved having my birthday in summer and although parties sometimes had less people due to the holidays, pool parties, sunshine and icecream more than made up for that! The husband is a winter baby but it’s never bothered him.
We didn’t plan for the time of year at all really, although I had hoped to avoid hayfever season for the first few months of pregnancy as I suffer really badly and you’re so restricted in what you should take, especially early one. Have to admit though I am struggling with the commute on warm days already.
Our little girl was born at the end of December and although we might struggle with her birthday parties when she’s younger, when she’s older it’s just before New Years so I’m sure she’ll have a great celebration.
When I was pregnant some people were quite negative about have a ‘Christmas/early Jan’ baby due to the cold dark days but I found it easy to get out with her, I didn’t have to worry about what to put her in as it was snowsuits all the way. It’s now that she is 5 months old and sunny one minute, cold the next that I’m constantly worrying she is too warm/cold. It also means I get to enjoy the summer months of my maternity leave with her when she is much more alert and understanding a bit more of the world!
I have a November baby and, as of last month, an April baby.
I’m glad I had them that way around. When I had Juliet in November 2012, it was just before The Snow, which kept us pretty much housebound until April – but that was OK because I had a snuggly newborn and sitting on the sofa, reading books and breastfeeding worked really well for us.
With a toddler in tow, it has been great that we can use the garden and the park this time of year – we need to get out as otherwise Juliet becomes a bit of a handful. I’m not concerned about Tess at school; I was a May baby and it hasn’t done me any harm! The only downside of this whole thing is that the baby clothes I carefully hoarded from my first are completely the wrong season for no 2 – so we’ve had to buy more than we expected!
Sara, I was exactly the same with the clothes! Summer dresses in the cold winter months weren’t really going to work! x
Oh love reading this. I’ve got an November girl and an August boy. I’m torn in that I think I much prefer the newborn bit during the summer. The freezing night feeds, sitting down stairs in the dark waiting for CBeebies to start at 6am.. All memories of having a winter baby. However my little boy stated school this year and he is nearly a whole year younger than some of his class and I do see it in him. He isn’t loving school and we have had lots of tears. I think in a few years it won’t make any difference but at 3 that year is a big difference. My husband is early January and hates his birthday, despite my efforts he refuses to celebrate it! Grumpy! Ha!
Oh your poor little boy. It’s so difficult when they are like that isn’t it. Molly was and it broke my heart. Hope he starts to enjoy school soon. x
My baby was born last December so I am hoping for a spring or summer baby next as found the dark nights and days for that matter hard and long! Once baby in bed I didn’t want to go outside a walk even though it would have lifted my mood considerably. As you say pros and cons to both!
I must admit I loved going for a walk, so nice to get outside but found I just walked loads with the pram with Molly and simply bundled her up. xx
My first daughter was born on the 1st November and I loved it. During the early stages all I wanted was to be at home and snuggle / watch movies whilst getting to grips with feeding. I was too tired to venture out and the weather made that acceptable. If it had been summer I would have felt guilty about not going out.
Also, speaking of parties, the weather is so unpredictable. Freya’s 1st and 2nd parties were at home and both times the sun shone and everyone was enjoying the garden. On the 1st November!! My friends daughters birthday is in July and both garden parties have been cancelled because of the rain!! you just never know!
I went back to work in September 2014 after 11 months off so I got the whole of the summer in 2013 at home with Freya. She was a little older and could enjoy the garden without me fearing she was too hot or not hot enough….the constant guilt is exhausting but I feel it worked really well for me.
My second is due on 11th October so not too far off! It wasn’t planned that way but I’m quietly chuffed.
I must admit it was rather nice with Molly not feeling like I should be outside as it was so cold out. I reckon a October is a good month (my birthday!) for a new little one to arrive. Good luck! x
This post is so timely. Our little boy who is now 2 is an April baby and I loved that it wasn’t too cold when getting up in the night. It was also so nice to get out and about in the warm sunshine in those early days. We are talking about baby number two now and my husband would quite like a September baby although I know it doesn’t always pan out that way so I think we’ll start trying in December. There’s always a risk that baby comes early and becomes an August baby though but oh well. I think there’s pro’s and con’s for both.
It’s so difficult when you try to think about the month you would like a baby isn’t it? September was always one of my favourite months to aim for too! x
My daughter was born on 29 August so will likely be the very youngest in her year. I was due to be induced on 3 Sept but was actually willing her to hurry up! I knew she’d be super tall as me and hubby are actual giants and this way some kids will have almost a year on her so hopefully she won’t stand out too much (she’s 2 and wears age 4 clothes already!). Plus almost one year of less childcare costs was on my mind too, I hope that doesn’t sound selfish. Next one is due next week (eek!). Am looking forward to sitting in the garden and lots of park picnics rather than having to sit in coffee shops.
I’m a June baby and have always loved my bday being half way through the year. Never struggled academically and haven’t witnessed that with other summer-born friends either.
Only issue for me with a summer baby is getting effective black out blinds for windows and a decent sunshade for the pram!
Being a teacher I was slightly concerned that my baby boy (3 weeks old yesterday) would be behind; already worrying about school!
To begin with there is a trend to suggest summer born babies do not achieve as high results but his gap narrows by the time they are seven.
I think there a pros and cons to both, but I am finding the nocturnal hours easier due to the early morning sunrise- a definite perk of a summer baby.
Our first baby is due at the start of December. Personally I’m really happy it worked out this way. Winter is my favourite time of year, I’m awful in hot weather (I burn so quickly and get so miserable when I’m hot) – hubby is so glad he won’t have to listen to me being hugely pregnant in the middle of Summer 😉
Looking forward to hibernating with our little one, a cosy Christmas with our little family and hubby can take his paternity leave and Christmas leave so I’ll have him around to help more.
I was a January baby though (it snowed when I was brought home from the hospital, wonder if this is why I love winter so much?) and I know the disappointment of having birthday parties cancelled due to snow. Pros and cons I guess xx
Sorry, coming late to this but Anyone worried about July/August babies being the youngest at school should consider moving to Scotland – our school year (age-wise) runs March to February. I’ve no idea why, but it means our winter babies are also usually the youngest in the year too. I had a January baby last year and while I think he’ll dislike it when he’s older, I loved early pregnancy in the summer, snow days cuddling a newborn and then summer for exploring outdoors and especially beginning weaning (less spag bol on carpet stress when you’re in the garden!)
If there’s a next time though maybe a birthday later in the year won’t mean my house is overloaded with presents (birthday and Christmas in a 2 week period!) and a toddler addicted to opening them and eating cake everyday! I swear he was disappointed mid-January that there were no more parties!
Wow, I never knew that Megs. I’m looking at houses now! Molly too is addicted to presents come Jan. Although the cake addiction seems to last all year!! x
My daughter was born in March ( and it was weirdly hot that month!) and I loved being able to head out into the spring and then have the summer months with her while I was on maternity leave. However we are due to have our second baby in early December, so totally different! I’m dreading being huge in the hot tube, the Northern Line is bad enough without a bump and that heat!
My baby boy was born in January. It was definitely not planned as a January baby, but after having had problems becoming pregnant I couldn’t have cared less!! And I really enjoyed lazy, cosy cuddles in the winter with our newborn. Even more so so I enjoy this lovely warm weather with a curious almost 5-month-old, as there is so much for him to discover now!
I was born in February though and really envied those who could celebrate their birthdays outside.
As for a second baby? If we are lucky enough to have another one then I’ll be so grateful, the month does not matter!
I’m a bit late to this discussion, but it was a good one. My little one was born on the 16th Dec (a week over) and although I was extremely concerned about being in hospital for Christmas (hospital Xmas dinner, no thank you!) we were thrilled and really didn’t give the time of year much thought. I still got out and about lots for walks in January, albeit wrapped up and I the Feb, I joined Buggyfit which was a great excuse to get up and out, plus I met lots of lovely people.
For baby no 2 (all being well), we would like spring/summer, firstly to help spread the cost of birthdays and Christmas, and secondly I do feel a little bad for Sofia as she has to wait all year for a present fix! It would be nice to experience both as a parent.
These little ones have a mind of their own so we will take what comes ? Xx
16th December is my husbands birthday! Good day although pricey come December especially as my Step Dad’s birthday is the 23rd and my brother in laws in the 24th so it’s all the birthdays and xmas. Molly is the same with waiting for her presents as she is end of November so poor thing has nothing all year and then present overload. I’ve heard good things about buggy fit so wish I had discovered that one when mine were little xxx
My little one is due the day after my birthday, 5 days before my husbands so it will be party week in our household (or month at least). At first I was worried about being more lonely on maternity leave in the winter months but soon started seeing the positives – my 6 months off means not one day of leaving the office in the dark in that winter, but being snuggled up with baby instead. Also someone pointed out that I don’t have to worry about summer in terms of post baby body – I can pile the warm jumpers on for a while at least (not that I plan to be ashamed of my post baby body – nobody should be!). Of course there is also Christmas which I imagine to be incredibly cute with a little baby…