Leap Year Babies: Parents Debate When You Should Celebrate Birthdays For Kids Born On 29 February
When You Should Celebrate Leap Year Birthdays (According To Parents)
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
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Parents have a big decision to make about babies born on 29 February: What day should you celebrate their birthday on in non-leap years?
With the date only coming around once every four years, leap year children either have to go without or choose a different day to celebrate.
In a HuffPost UK Parents Twitter poll, 43% of parents said they believed the child’s birthday should be celebrated on 28 February.
Out of the 326 parents who entered the poll, 26% believed it should be celebrated on 1 March and 26% said once every four years.
Supporting the 28 February birthday celebration, mum Charlie Parkes, who narrowly avoided her son being born on 29 February (by a few hours) said she’d want to keep the celebration in the same month.
“It would have felt weird celebrating it on the 1 March as it’s a completely different month.”
Mum Helen Jones added: “I’d celebrate the 28 February but do something special on 1 March too then really celebrate every four years on the actual date.”
Abbi Rigby, who was born on 29 February, added: “I was born on a leap year. I normally celebrate on 28 Feb because I see it as I was born in Feb not March.”
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However there were others who argued that celebrating on 1 March is the "only option", because the leap year babies weren't alive on the 28 February in the year they were born. Therefore if they celebrate on 28 February they will technically not yet be a year older.
"My mum's theory being I wasn't here on the 28th but I was here the day after!"
Mum Vanessa Barnes agreed, adding: "I'd celebrate the day after the 28th. So 1 March because they weren't born on the 28th they were born on the day afterwards.
"Then every four years have a proper party."
A recent thread on Reddit pondered the same question, some agreeing that 1 March is the way forward.
Do you have a child born on a leap year? How do you celebrate it? Let us know in the comments below.
DeltaLeap years occur once every four years and the name Delta has ties to “fourth” since it is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. This sweet and charming name was famously chosen by Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard for their second daughter in 2014. (credit:NadyaSabeva via Getty Images)
Girl Names(02 of14)
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ScarletSince leap year babies are rare, why not find a name associated with rarity? Scarlet Emerald, also known as Red Beryl, is one of the rarest gems in the world, making Scarlet an appropriate name for your little leapling. (credit:Susie Cushner via Getty Images)
Girl Names(03 of14)
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FaridaSpeaking of rare names, Farida is a pretty moniker that means "unique" or "precious," which perfectly sums up your leap year baby. (credit:hideous410grapher via Getty Images)
Girl Names(04 of14)
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SadieMany people around the world practice the tradition of women proposing to men on February 29. The name Sadie captures the essence of this tradition, as it is both strong and feminine. It is also associated with the Sadie Hawkins dance in the U.S., where it is a tradition for girls to ask the boys. (credit:Peathegee Inc via Getty Images)
Girl Names(05 of14)
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AuroraAurora is the Roman goddess of the sunrise. Since leap years are determined by the Earth’s orbit around the sun, this cosmic name is appropriate for a female leapling. Aurora is also Latin for “dawn.” (credit:Beth Rooney via Getty Images)
Girl Names(06 of14)
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TheaIn 2016, February 29 falls on a Monday, and Monday is a name derived from Old English meaning “moon day,” and Thea is a Greek moniker meaning “mother of the moon.” Phew! (credit:Sally Anscombe via Getty Images)
Girl Names(07 of14)
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VioletViolet is one of the flowers associated with February. The name is soft, sweet and romantic. An alternative is Viola, popularized by Shakespeare in his play “Twelfth Night.” The moniker is both feminine and unique. (credit:CaiaImage via Getty Images)
Boy Names(08 of14)
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JuliusWe can thank Julius Caesar for adding February 29 to the calendar, which is why Julius is a very fitting name for a baby boy born on a leap day. An alternative is Julian, after the Julian calendar. (credit:Steven Robinson via Getty Images)
Boy Names(09 of14)
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Caspian Leap year babies are born under the zodiac sign Pisces, which is a water sign. Thus, you might want to consider giving your child a name associated with water, such as Caspian. Caspian is the name of the large sea between Asia and Europe, but it also has strong, romantic connotations thanks to C.S. Lewis’ hero Prince Caspian in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series. Caspian is also a unique and modern name, making it an appealing choice for new parents. (credit:George Doyle via Getty Images)
Boy Names(10 of14)
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KitKit is the unique British variation of the classic name Christopher. What does this name have to do with the leap year? Well, on Christopher Columbus’ fourth voyage to the “New World,” there was a lunar eclipse on February 29, 1504. (credit:Olivier Renck via Getty Images)
Boy Names(11 of14)
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ApolloApollo is the Greek god of the sun and can be associated with the leap year since February 29 is determined by the Earth’s orbit around the sun. We love the name Apollo because it is bold, celestial name, which is right on trend. (credit:Lite Productions via Getty Images)
Boy Names(12 of14)
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Roman The leap year originated in the Roman Empire, making Roman a fitting name for babies born on February 29. This name is becoming quite popular among new parents for its fresh and noble sound. However, for those who don’t want such a literal name, try Romano, Romy or Romeo. (credit:Big Cheese Photo via Getty Images)
Boy Names(13 of14)
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LievThe rarity of the name Liev makes it the perfect choice for a rare leap year baby. The moniker means “heart,” which also suits babies born in the month that celebrates love. (credit:PeopleImages via Getty Images)
Boy Names(14 of14)
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AshIn Celtic traditions, ash is one of the symbolic trees of February and is associated with creativity and inspiration. If you want your leap year baby to embody these traits, this name is a great choice. Other variations include Ashton or Asher. (credit:Layland Masuda via Getty Images)