Fun Facts About July Birthday Babies

July is a sizzling month for baby’s birthday. Summer’s heating up, and people are ready to head outside to celebrate—and who doesn’t love a pool party or a BBQ? “I love having a July baby,” says Natalie Gontcharova, senior editor at The Bump and mom of one. “Throwing birthday parties in the middle of summer feels less stressful since there are so many fun options and everyone’s more relaxed. Also, I adore his sensitive and sweet Cancer personality.”

Whether you’re expecting a July baby or already have one at home, it’s time to celebrate! Read on for more fun facts about July birthday babies and unique party ideas.

July Birthday Zodiac Sign

July’s zodiac signs are Cancer and Leo—the crab and the lion. (Quite a spicy month!) Does your July birthday baby’s personality match their zodiac sign vibes? Read on to find out.

Cancer

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Cancer babies are born between June 21 and July 22, and their zodiac symbol is the crab. The crab’s hard shell and soft underbelly represent Cancers’ tough exterior and nurturing interior. “These sweet souls have sensitive hearts and are extremely intuitive, caring and creative,” says Danielle Rothschild, an astrologer and owner of Little Mystic School, an astrology resource for parents. Heather W., mom of two in Poulton-le-Fylde, England, says her caring Cancer daughter is “the one who’ll stop mid-conversation to ask if you’re okay, even when she’s the one with the scraped knee.”

Leo

Leo babies are born between July 23 and August 22. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Leo zodiac sign is a lion, representing the purported bold and vibrant personalities of Leos. “Leos are known as the kings and queens of the zodiac because they’re ruled by the sun,” says Rothschild. “They shine their inner light and take up space in whatever room they enter. Your royal baby is playful, expressive and loves making people laugh.” Mary R., mom of three in Harper, Texas, says, “My Leo daughter is a radiant kid who’s definitely playful and sometimes fierce, true to the lion symbolism.”

July Birth Flower

July’s primary birth flower is the larkspur, and its secondary birth flower is the water lily, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Larkspurs are tall-standing flowers that come in purple, white and yellow. They represent love and positivity. Water lilies grow in water and have large, round leaves called lily pads. These iconic flowers symbolize rebirth and enlightenment.

July Birthstone

July’s birthstone is ruby—a dazzling gem in a rich, red color with a hint of purple. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), rubies were referred to as “the king of gems” in ancient India due to their elegance, hardness, rarity and supposed mystical powers. Rubies are the color of love and passion, a fitting birthstone for your caring July baby.

How Common Are July Birthdays?

According to an analysis of births in the US from 1994 to 2014, July is the third most common birthday month, with 11,563 average daily births. The most popular birthday in July is July 7, with 12,147 average daily births, and the least popular birthday in July is July 4, with 8,825 average daily births.

Celebrity Birthdays in July

July birthday babies share a birth month with many celebrities. Famous people with July birthdays include:

• Princess Diana (July 1)
• DJ Pauly D (July 5)
• Tom Hanks (July 9)
• Harrison Ford (July 13)
• Will Ferrell (July 16)
• Jennifer Lopez (July 24)
• Maya Rudolph (July 27)

Interesting Facts About July Babies

Studies have shown that there are some links between birth month and health outcomes. Below, a few interesting facts about July birthday babies.

July babies tend to be bigger at birth and taller in adulthood

A 2015 study revealed that babies born in the summer months (June, July and August) tend to have a higher birth weight, later puberty onset and taller adult height than their non-summer counterparts. The researchers believed that seasonal factors like vitamin D exposure could contribute to these differences in growth.

People born in July are less prone to disease

According to a massive 2015 study on how birth month affects lifetime disease risk, July babies are at a smaller risk for disease. The study, which analyzed medical records from 1,749,400 New Yorkers born between 1900 and 2000, found evidence that “birth month has a significant impact on the diseases they develop during their lifetime”—and July-born babies tend to have better health outcomes compared to babies born in other months.

July babies are more likely to be nearsighted

Unfortunately, July babies may be unlucky in the sight department, at least compared to babies born in other months. A 2008 study about birth season and eyesight revealed that people born in the summer months were more likely to have myopia, aka nearsightedness. The researchers who conducted the study believe this phenomenon is due to increased natural light exposure early in a summer baby’s life.

How to Celebrate Your July Baby

July is a joyous month for birthday celebrations. As the temperature heats up, you can have an adventurous outdoor celebration or bring the party indoors—whether it’s your house or an indoor play gym—for air-conditioned fun. It doesn’t need to be complicated: “July birthdays are brilliant for simple outdoor parties—inflatable pool, scavenger hunts, water balloons or just letting the kids run wild with a playlist and snacks,” says Heather W. “It doesn’t need to be over-the-top to be unforgettable.”

If your little crab’s birthday is close to the Fourth of July, you could combine the theme with their birthday celebration for star-spangled fun. “We’re loving July themes that blend Fourth of July flair with playful and unique details—like a ‘Born to Sparkle’ party,” says Olivia Pollock, etiquette and hosting expert at Evite. “Think red, white and glittery blue, with star-shaped cookies, DIY sparkler wands and a splash zone for post-cake cooling off.”

Full of sunshine and splashy fun, July is the perfect month for baby’s birthday. “July birthdays may bring the heat, but they also bring the fireworks!” says Pollock. “With summer in full swing, July birthdays come with built-in energy, outdoor fun and plenty of sunshine.”

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.