Leap Year Babies – 8 Fun Facts

Although the probability is low, there’s a chance that you’re walking around with a February 29^th due date this year. That’s right. This year is a leap year, where a few odds-defying babies will be born on a day that only shows up on a calendar once every four years. But what does that mean for you and your (possible) Leap Year baby?

Here are 8 fun facts about leap year babies

They come with a nickname 

Babies born on February 29^th are called leaplings, leapettes, leapsters, and leapers. No matter what they’re called, they’re all unique and fabulous.

They (sort of) get to pick their birthday

Since most of the time they won’t get to party on the 29^th, most Leapers pick between celebrating on February 28^th or March 1^st. The legal birthday gets bit complicated, however, and varies depending on where you live. Generally speaking though, March 1^st is the day where the person is considered to have legally aged. 

They (might) come with super-powers

Famous Leaplings include Ja Rule, Antonio Sabáto Jr, and Superman. That said, considering the number of celebrities born just one day later, there’s some work to be done catching up.

They share their birthdays with fewer people

Leaplings share their birthday with about 5 million other people, with the rest of the population sharing their special day with almost 21 million people. 

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.)

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.

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.

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 at their 8^th birthday, they can have a full on rodeo when they’re 32. 

Whatever you call them, babies born on February 29^th are pretty awesome. And if you’re looking to join the club with your very own Leap Baby, set your clocks (and your cycle) to get busy in late May of 2023. May the odds be ever in your favor. 

Do you have a Leap Day baby, or are you a Leapster?

Let us know in the comments?

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