Best Time to Have a Baby
Choosing the Ideal Month, Season to Welcome a Child into the Family
Deciding to have a baby is a big step. Consider these five factors to determine the best month to bring home a bundle of joy and enjoy pregnancy.
There are many factors that can come into play when deciding to have a baby. Although it may not be possible to choose exactly when a baby comes, there are definite advantages to certain seasons.
Weather and Location
Without a doubt, the weather can be a big factor. Many women find being pregnant over the summer very unappealing, especially if the summer occurs during the third trimester. For that reason, many women prefer to have a spring baby. With a spring baby, a woman avoids being pregnant at all during the summer. The third trimester occurs during the winter, a much more ideal time for being “great with child”. Which months are considered spring will vary depending on location, but March and April can be great months if avoiding pregnancy in the summer is a high priority.
Health Related Concerns
Another advantage to a spring baby is the fact that the most intense cold and flu season is generally over by mid to late spring. This is helpful in keeping an infant healthy during those early months especially with concerns about rotavirus. It also means mom doesn’t have to be quite as cautious about keeping baby away from public places where germs abound.
The mother’s health can also play a role in choosing. For example, a woman who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and experiences depression each winter would do well to think twice about having a newborn during the same time when sleep deprivation will only make it worse.
Family Holidays
Some people might find it fun to have everyone’s birthday in the same month. Other families prefer that everyone have their own special time each year. So one factor to consider might be whether or not the family already has a birthday in a particular month.
Related to this is the occurrence of other holidays celebrated by the family. Some families might prefer to not have a birthday during the holiday rush in November and December. Depending on the religious holidays observed by the family, other months may be more or less appealing.
Work Obligations
Vocation can play a significant role in selecting the best month to have a baby. A tax accountant probably wouldn’t choose March or April. August and September wouldn’t be the best months for a teacher. A wedding planner would likely avoid May and June. Some professions might necessitate increased travel during certain busy seasons. Each family should consider if there is a better or worse season in terms of work obligations.
Unique Family Situations
Lastly, there are all of the little situations that make each family unique. If Grandpa and Grandma down the street in Maine spend four months in Florida every winter, then a winter baby might not be appealing. If traveling every year for a wedding anniversary is important, then having a baby that month might not be the best long term choice. Each family has its own set of months that are better or worse for welcoming a new member of the family.
Welcoming a baby into the family is such a joyous event. By carefully considering how different aspects of life might impact everyone, it is possible to eliminate some potential trouble spots and maximize the chances for a smooth transition.
