Which season is best to have a baby and why? If you want a baby, then having a baby anytime is a miracle, of course. They follow their own timelines anyway! Still, after three pregnancies in the DMV, I do have a favorite season and a few solid reasons. Spoiler: spring tops my list. But there are pros and cons to every season. Keep reading to see pros and cons, plus “lean in” tips for every season.
Spring (March - June)
Why I love it
- Walk-friendly weather before the humidity hits
- Cold and flu season fades, so fewer sniffles
- Early spring births mean you can wear a swimsuit by July
Pros
- Mild temps for stroller laps
- Postpartum bleeding likely finished by pool season
- Fewer seasonal viruses
- Your child lands in the middle of the school cutoff age range
Cons
- Less recovery time before shorts season if baby arrives late spring. With my October babies I had all winter to hind in pants and big sweaters!
- A June delivery can leave you homebound for most of summer fun
How to lean into spring
Cute photo shoots with spring pastels or Easter decor, tons of walks, porch naps in the fresh air, brighten your home with fresh flowers, and treat yourself to leftover Easter candy.
Summer (June - September)
Pros
- Sunshine lifts everyone’s mood
- Fewer seasonal viruses
- Future birthdays can be pool parties, backyard sprinklers and other fun outdoor activities
- Laundry dries fast in the heat
Cons
- DMV humidity makes midday walks brutal
- Friends travel during prime birthday weeks
- Late-August babies may be the youngest in class
- Swimming is off-limits during postpartum bleeding
Lean in
Early morning walks before it gets too hot, staying hydrated with classic summer treats, like lemonade and popsicles, wearing flowy dresses that keep you cool while you heal.
Fall (September - December)
Pros
- Cozy décor and twinkle lights for night feeds
- Still warm enough for outdoor strolls, especially midday
- Baby is older for school cutoff
- More time to feel swimsuit-ready next year
- You don’t miss out on summer - especially important if you have older kids who love the pool as much as mine
Cons
- You may be very pregnant in peak summer heat
- Holidays crowd the calendar when you may want to hibernate
- Daycare germs spike as maternity leave ends
- Darker evenings can hit hard
Lean in
Stack fall candles, bake pumpkin bread or lactation cookies, get adorable Halloween costumes, and schedule afternoon walks when the sun peaks.
Winter (December - March)
Pros
- Fewer social events, so less FOMO
- If leave lines up, baby skips daycare during peak sickness months
- Extra runway before swimsuit season
- When pool season hits, baby can hold his or her head up on a raft
- Late-winter deliveries roll right into spring weather
Cons
- Ice or snow can complicate the trip to labor and delivery
- Short and cold days can drag on mood
- Snowy birthdays need backup plans
- December due dates collide with holiday chaos
Lean in
Keep holiday lights up a little longer for a cozy night-feed glow, line up cheesy Hallmark movies, bundle up for brisk stroller walks when the forecast cooperates, and embrace the quietness of winter.
Bottom line
Spring wins for me, but every season can be magical. Plan what you can, stay flexible, and keep these tips in mind!