6 reasons February babies are special

Mamas expecting babies this month are a special bunch—and not just because it’s statistically unique to have a birthday during the shortest month of the year.

Babies born in February already have advantages with everything from physical growth to creativity to even presidential elections. (It’s no coincidence that President’s Day is this month!)

February babies have these 6 things to look forward to:

1. They may be bound for the NBA

According to a 2006 study from Harvard researchers that examined data from 21,000 children around the world (including the southern hemisphere), those born in February were taller and weighed more at the age of 7 than their friends who were born during other times of the year. (Further proof: Michael Jordan celebrates his birthday on February 17.)

2. On their way to a doctorate

The same study also showed winter-born babies performed best in a series of intelligence tests. As the researchers concluded, “The overall pattern of findings is that winter/spring babies are both ‘bigger’ on the anthropometric variables and ‘smarter’ on the selected neuro-cognitive variables.”

3. They also have artsy sides

February babies are either born under the Aquarius or Pisces star signs—which are linked to the traits of originality and creativity. But even if you aren’t one for astrology, a study complied from the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics found that people born in February are more likely to be artists.

4. Which may set them up for stardom

Speaking of the zodiac, one study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found a disproportionate number of celebrities claim the Aquarius star sign. That includes everyone from Bob Marley to Jennifer Aniston to Shakira. It’s also one of the most popular star signs for American presidents—including Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Ronald Reagan (February 6).

5. Or, at least, satisfying careers

But don’t feel bad for babies born in the latter half of the month: A survey from CareerBuilder.com found Pisces adults were among the “most satisfied” with their jobs. (They also have legs up on the competition if they ever find their way into a presidential election.)

6. They may have the rarest birthday of all

Only a special group of babies born in February will also have the distinction of being born on Leap Day, February 29. Sure, they won’t get to mark their birthday for another four years, but they do get a prime pick of perks when that day does roll back around!

Snuggle up with that newborn while you can, mama. Once February babies get going, they’ll be hard to stop.

A version of this post was published February 2, 2018. It has been updated.