Deciding to have a baby is a big step. Consider these five factors to determine the best time and month to conceive, enjoy pregnancy, and bring home a bundle of joy.
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.
The copyright of the article How to Choose the Best Time to Have a Baby in Family Planning is owned by Sallie Schaaf Borrink. Permission to republish How to Choose the Best Time to Have a Baby in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I remember you talking about this before and saying September was not a
good time :) But for me October was fab so I agree, location and weather
has a lot to do with it. I suppose for some people it does not matter when
the baby is born as long as it is born- whereas I know I was determined not
to have a baby in December! I had not considered the work issue before but
then I had already decided to leave work if I ever became pregnant. I
wonder if many people really think these ideas through before they have a
baby. It would be interesting to know.
Jun 9, 2008 9:58 AM
Guest
:
For me, we are planing on having a baby in June. So I can work as long as I
can but avoid the heat. I work in a very hot nursing home, my job is very
phyical. So I think also having the summer off would be nice. Plus I
think it would be nice to have a baby in June for their birthday parties.
Mine is at the end of Nov and it's right around hollidays and cold weather.
so I was never to happy with that. lol. Well I know you can pin point when
you will have a baby but its def nice to plan it out. Thats my thoughts
Jan 28, 2009 5:23 PM
Guest
:
There are also a few more factors to consider aside from the important ones
mentioned above. Remember that if you have a summer baby, the baby
will begin teething during the following summer. Also, if you are
taking time off after the baby, what a beautiful time to take that time
than in the winter. It's near the holidays, you can sit home during the
snowy and colder months and enjoy the following summer with the baby
outside. I feel that a summer baby is also jipped out of things like
bringing birthday treats to elementary school and birthday sleepovers.
(Mostly because young elementary aged kids don't usually stay in touch over
the summer plus your child's friends family may have summer vacation plans
out of town). I was a December baby which wasn't all that bad. My
friends helped me celebrate with party's including slumber party's, girly
party's which included pizza and chic-flic's, ice-skating, sledding
party's. My sisters summer birthday party's were hectic because of our
vacation time, friends vacation time, other summer party's, like pool
party's and going with friends to amusement parks, ect. So I loved
having a winter birthday.........and still do!
Mar 5, 2009 6:25 AM
Guest
:
I really wanted to have a late spring early summer baby, because my
birthday is in late Jan. and i never liked having my birthday in the middle
of winter because of things like snow storms or just that no one really
wants to go out in the cold especially a bunch of girls as you get a little
older. Although my plans have gone out the window because being on birth
control for so long it is taking a lot longer to get pregnant that i ever
thought. I never took getting off the pill a little sooner in consideration
and now i wish i had. So now i could end up with a fall/winter baby, but i
guess as long as it's here and healthy is what really matters.
May 8, 2008
