There’s something special about welcoming a baby in May. It’s one of the best months for parenting a newborn because it’s rarely too hot or too cold — so it’s got that perfect mix that means plenty of time can be spent outside without as much worry of overheating, plus there will be some rainy days which means a built-in reminder to rest some days, too. We also know that there’s something scientifically cool about being born in any of the months, and May is no exception.
There are a few theories for where the month of May got its name. Some believe it’s related to Maia, the goddess of fertility in Greek mythology. But there’s another Maia, in Roman mythology, that others feel the month is named after: the ancient Roman goddess of springtime, warmth, and increase. According to mythology, the Roman goddess would help plants grow by using gentle heat.
Parents expecting a baby to be born in May have a lot to look forward to in addition to all the springtime goodness. Based on scientific studies, it seems May-born babies have certain health issues they don’t have to worry as much about, they’re good to have around, and much more.
If you’re expecting a baby in May, have a child born in the month, or just find this stuff fascinating, here are some facts about May-born babies:
May-born babies are small but mighty
A few studies point to babies born in May being more likely to be born smaller than babies born in other months. It’s not anything to be overly worried about, and studies are still ongoing. The running theory on why this might be is linked to lower amounts of vitamin D in the pregnant person during a winter pregnancy.
May-born babies are night owls and like to stay up late
If you’re a night owl, you’re going to be in good company, because your May-born baby has a higher chance of enjoying staying up later than everyone else.
Studies have shown that babies born in the spring and early summer prefer a later bedtime compared to babies born in the fall or winter months.
May-born babies are more likely to have a positive attitude
According to Time, May babies that were part of a 58,000-person study were found to score high on the “hyperthymia scale.” What’s that? It’s having more energy and enthusiasm for life and activities. The example Time used was that May-born people have “the ability to see every down as a prelude to an up, every market crash as a run-up to a boom.”
But May-born babies also have high rates of clinical depression
It seems strange that babies born in May tend to be more positive while at the same time having higher rates of clinical depression, but that’s what the study shows. The same Time article cites a study of 58,000 people that showed those born in May have higher rates than those born in other months.
May-born babies have a lower risk of heart problems
Studies have shown that babies born in May have a lower risk of developing heart problems. Research from Columbia University has shown that May-born people have the lowest disease risk overall, too.
Scientists hope to continue studying this area to see if there are ways to help improve the lives of people, and look deeper into why some months are better for heart health than others.
May-born babies can grow up to be anything they want
There are some months where the babies born have a pretty clear advantage for certain careers more than those born in other months. But when it comes to May-born babies, they have a wide variety of careers and professions and essentially have the pick of their desires.
May-born babies will grow up and likely feel lucky
A UK study found that May is the luckiest month to be born out of all the months. A short experiment at the Edinburgh International Science Festival involving 40,000 people found that people with a May birthday tended to grow up feeling like they were luckier. This could also be due to their generally positive outlook.
