Only a few odds-defying babies will be born on February 29th because it's a day that only shows up on a calendar once every four years. Here are some fun facts that go along with being one of these special Leapsters!
Here are 8 fun facts about leap year babies
1. They come with a nickname
Babies born on February 29th are called leaplings, leapettes, leapsters, and leapers. No matter what they’re called, they’re all unique and fabulous.
2. They (sort of) get to pick their birthday
Since most of the time they won’t get to party on the 29th, most Leapers pick between celebrating on February 28th or March 1st. However, the legal birthday gets a bit complicated and varies depending on where you live. Generally speaking, March 1st is the day the person is considered legally aged.
3. They (might) come with super-powers
Famous Leaplings include Ja Rule, Antonio Sabáto Jr, Arnaud Valois, Dinah Shore, Dennis Farina, and Superman!
4. They share their birthdays with fewer people
Leaplings share their birthday with about 5 million other people, while the rest of the population shares their special day with almost 21 million people.
5. They come out beating the odds
The average baby has a 1 in 365 chance of being born on any given day. The odds of having a Leap Day baby is 1 in 1,461. (This is admittedly simplifying birth rates, but you get the point.)
6. Leap day births have lower c-section rates
C-section rates are lower on many holidays, and Leap Day is no different. If it’s possible, many families opt to schedule c-sections for one of the surrounding days.
7. They have their own club
Leapsters can join the Honor Society of Leap Day Babies, where all things Leap Day are celebrated and discussed. I don’t know about you, but there are zero societies associated with my birthday, which is just rude.
8. They get birthday do-overs
Many Leapers keep track of their annual age, as well as their quadrennial age, meaning if they didn’t get the pony they wanted on their 8th birthday, they can have a full on rodeo when they’re 32.
Which Years are Leap Years?
Here are the years that have been and will be leap years from 1800 - 2400. The last leap year was 2024; the next one will be 2028.