Why is it more likely for babies to arrive in September and October?

We work with hundreds of new families every year, and we hear from thousands of families every year nationwide. After doing this for over a decade…that’s a lot of babies!

Every year, we are absolutely drowning in babies in September and October. This year [2026] in particular, we’ve seen an increase in late October births in the cold states. [Interesting that it correlated with a certain February blizzard last year!]

There is actually some research studies that have been done also trying to figure out the why!

What did the study find?

Analysis found that online interest in sex peaks in both hemispheres during major cultural and religious celebrations: Christmas in predominantly Christian countries and Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, in Muslim majority nations. It found the collective mood during these periods is relaxed and loving.

Births peak nine months after Christmas or Eid al-Fitr, regardless of what hemisphere people lived in or how close their country was to the equator.

So, researchers don’t believe biological responses to changing seasons are what’s driving reproductive urges.

Why would this be?

There are a couple of potentially logical reasons that people are more likely to make babies around the holidays.

• The mood is more loving/festive around the holidays
• People have time off work
• (can’t ignore this) There’s a lot of drinking at work/friend parties
• It’s the end of a year and people naturally are thinking about resolutions and next steps and plans, and a baby is the biggest plan of them all

And late October 2026?

We are not scientists. We just see a lot of babies. And we think there might be some logic in people being stuck together and looking out [ahem] for activities to keep warm and entertained. And we’re not the only ones thinking this!

Are you expecting a baby in October 2026? We’re busy but we might be able to squeeze you in if you’re looking for in-home care! Let’s connect.