Fun Facts About January Birthday Babies

January is all about new beginnings, and January birthday babies get to celebrate amid the sparkly buzz of the New Year. Even with winter in full swing, the energetic time of year lends itself to joyous celebrations. “January may be chilly, but it’s the perfect month for celebrations that embrace the coziness [and] thrill of winter fun,” says Olivia Pollock, etiquette and hosting expert at Evite. “From snowy adventures to indoor hangouts, this is the time to make your kid’s big day stand out against the frosty backdrop.”

Despite the potentially frigid weather, many parents are overjoyed by their January due dates. “I really like winter and love snow, especially when I don’t have to go out in it, so I’m looking forward to being home with baby while it’s blizzarding outside,” says mick64, a community member on The Bump.

Ahead, we’ve gathered fun facts, celebration ideas and more for January birthdays.

January Birthday Zodiac Sign

January’s Zodiac signs are Capricorn and Aquarius—the horned goat and the water-bearer. Does your January-born have a Capricorn’s boss baby energy or an Aquarian’s creativity? Read on to decide for yourself.

Capricorn

Babies born between December 22 and January 19 are Capricorns. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Capricorns, symbolized by a horned goat, are known for their ambition, loyalty and discipline. “Capricorn kids are wise beyond their years. They’re old souls who are seriously determined to succeed at whatever they do,” says Danielle Rothschild, an astrologer and owner of Little Mystic School, an astrology resource for parents. “As they grow up, that persistence and focus become their superpowers. These are the kids who like to build, organize and take on challenges.”

Aquarius

Babies born between January 20 and February 18 are Aquarians. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Aquarians, symbolized by a water-bearer, or a person pouring water from a pitcher, are known for their creativity, independence and forward-thinking. “Aquarius children are the dreamers and visionaries of the Zodiac. They’re forward-thinking, open-minded and wonderfully unique,” says Rothschild. “They love to experiment, ask questions and share ideas that no one else has thought of. What they need most is the freedom to be themselves, quirks and all, while knowing they’re loved and accepted.”

January Birth Flower

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, January’s primary birth flower is the carnation, and its secondary birth flower is the snowdrop. Carnations are cheery, ruffled flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. They represent love and devotion. Snowdrops are delicate, dainty-looking flowers that are surprisingly hardy—outlasting the winter elements with grace. They represent hope, rebirth and resilience.

January Birthstone

According to the Gemological Institute of America, January’s birthstone is garnet. Garnet is frequently found in red, but comes in an array of colors—from grass green to fiery orange. The gemstone’s name originates from the medieval Latin word granatus, which means “pomegranate.” Some believe garnet brings good health, wealth and happiness to the wearer.

How Common Are January Birthdays?

According to an analysis of births in the US from 1994 to 2014, January is the least common birthday month, with 10,721 average daily births. The most popular birthday in January is January 24, with 11,096 average daily births, and the least popular birthday in January (by far) is January 1, with 7,827. In fact, according to this dataset, January 1 is the second least common birthday year-round, right after December 25. It seems that babies don’t want to share their special day with major holidays! (But, also, medical professionals prefer not to schedule planned births on weekends and holidays.)

Celebrity Birthdays in January

January birthday babies share their birth month with several music legends, including Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley! Famous January birthdays include:

• Bradley Cooper (January 5)
• Elvis Presley (January 8)
• Mary J. Blige (January 11)
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus (January 13)
• Dolly Parton (January 19)
• Alicia Keys (January 25)
• Ellen DeGeneres (January 26)
• Oprah Winfrey (January 29)
• Justin Timberlake (January 31)

Interesting Facts About January Babies

Studies suggest that being born in January may affect things like fertility, adult height and eyesight. Read on to find out why.

January-born females may have a fertility advantage

According to a 2009 study, a January birthday may come with built-in fertility benefits. The study, which analyzed census data from over 34,000 people, found that females born in the first half of the year (particularly January through May) were more fertile over their lifetime than those born in the second half of the year. Scientists hypothesize that seasonal factors during gestation and around the time of birth may account for this increase.

January babies tend to be smaller than summer babies

A 2015 study found that babies born in winter (December, January and February) tend to have a lower birth weight, hit puberty a bit earlier and remain shorter in adulthood than babies born in summer. The researchers hypothesized that seasonal environmental factors, like prenatal vitamin D exposure, could explain these growth differences.

People born in January have a relatively low risk of near-sightedness

Winter babies may have luck on their side when it comes to eyesight (at least compared to babies born in June and July). A 2008 study about birth season and eyesight revealed that people born in winter months (like January) were less likely to have myopia, aka nearsightedness. The researchers who conducted the study believe this phenomenon is due to decreased natural light exposure early in a winter baby’s life.

How to Celebrate Your January Baby

January is a time of hope and fresh starts—a wonderfully optimistic feeling to surround your January baby’s birthday celebration. “In January, the best parties make winter feel warm, or make you forget the cold entirely,” says Pollock.

The usually chilly January temps typically call for indoor birthday gatherings, and with a little creativity, you can make them feel as warm and bright as your January child. Pollock suggests party themes that make the most of the indoor environment. Try a “Strike Up Some Fun” party at your local bowling alley for some friendly competition or a “Couch Potato” theme for maximum cozy fun without leaving the house—complete with indoor forts, cozy PJs and even spud-based snacks.

Another January birthday perk? You can find birthday presents at a bargain! “Since most stores have clearance on toys after Christmas, I’ve always been able to get [my daughter] awesome presents for less than full price,” says BrainySmurfette, a community member on The Bump.

January birthday babies get to ring in the New Year and celebrate their birthdays in the same month, marking two happy beginnings. With all of the energy and festiveness that come with this time of year, January birthdays are sure to be full of fun.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.