Winter babies hold a special place in my heart. My son was born in the middle of January almost three years ago and, this month, I’ll welcome my second baby.
In the months leading up to my son's due date – and during the snuggly newborn months after – I could not have been more grateful that he was a winter baby. Mothers of summer babies may have their adorable spring baby showers and cute maternity sundresses, but there are all kinds of reasons why being the mommy of a winter baby is awesome.
When you have a winter baby you’re either very, very pregnant or you're the parent of a newborn as the holidays roll around.
Because of this, no one expects you to be the one to cook, or clean up, or to do the extensive planning, shopping, and decorating that can suck the fun out of the holidays. For this year at least, you’ll get to sit back and relax (as much as one can with a huge belly or tiny baby).
When you have a new baby – especially a cute one – it seems like you can’t head out with friends or to family events without expecting to hand them over to everyone in attendance.
While a break is nice every now and then, sometimes you just don’t want to give up your snuggle-time. During winter, you have the perfect excuse to keep your babe in the Ergo and refuse any offers to hold the little one. After all, it’s cold and flu season, people. No one gets their hands on that baby without a thorough scrub down.
And, if you just don’t want to share, no one can argue with a mom looking out for baby’s health.
The only person hungrier than a pregnant woman is a mom who’s nursing.
Don’t hesitate to share just how starving you are as you make your way to the front of the buffet line. Holiday foods aren’t known for being particularly calorie-conscious, but pregnant and nursing moms need the extra calories.
So, please, this year, indulge knowing that you absolutely need the extra energy for your little one.
Almost every mom I know has a moment – sometime in the last few weeks of pregnancy – when they realize that they’re going to have to leave their shoes unlaced or opt for clogs a few sizes too big for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Luckily for the mom of the winter baby, those ankles will be tucked away from prying eyes and rude comments under a nice pair of long leggings or maternity jeans.
Sure, summer parents might get to plan fantastic pool parties and easy get-togethers at the playground, but winter mamas get to drool over Pinterest's winter party themes as they plan their baby's birthdays for years to come.
I pinned somewhere close to a thousand Winter Wonderland ideas long before my son emerged from my womb.
Though a cold, stormy winter can make even the most introverted mom go a little stir crazy, there are some wonderful benefits to being snowed in. A cold winter provides ample opportunity to build a fire, cuddle up with your partner and your new baby, and bask in the simple joys of hot chocolate, warm blankets, and a perfect newborn to love.
Julia Pelly
Author