6 reasons October babies are special

This month is associated with jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and Halloween costumes galore, but for mamas-to-be, an October baby is anything but scary. October babies are something special, according to a variety of studies.

Here’s why October babies are so special

1. They’ll probably be good at sports

If your baby comes before Halloween, you might want to dress them up as an athlete on the 31st, just to get them ready for the future.

Research suggests October babies are the most likely to be the sports stars of tomorrow. A 2014 study of stamina and strength in school kids found, “October-born children were stronger than those born in all months except September and November.”

It’s thought to be linked prenatal Vitamin D exposure, and researchers suggest that being the biggest kid at Gymboree now puts a kid on the right track to excel in gym class later.

“With children born in the Northern Hemisphere, those born in autumn tend to have slightly bigger bone and muscle mass,” Dr. Gavin Sandercock, from the Centre for Sports and Exercise Science at Essex University told New York Magazine. “They start off with more muscle, become active earlier, then get involved in athletics sooner. It becomes a positive cycle.”

2. They have presidential potential

More U.S. presidents have been born this month than any other, so prepare yourself in case your baby has political aspirations. Maybe your baby will be the next John Adams, Rutherford B Hayes, Chester Arthur, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower or Jimmy Carter. She didn’t make that list, but Hilary Clinton was born in October, too.

3. They’re less likely to be born on the last day of the month

When we think of October, we think of one big special day in October, and it’s the last one. But, October babies aren’t as likely to be born on Halloween as a February baby is to be born on Valentine’s Day. It seems there’s something about this dark and spooky holiday that keeps “spontaneous” births from happening, according to Yale researchers, who suggests mama’s subconscious might not want her little one to have to share their birthday with trick-or-treaters.

4. They’re more likely to see their 100th birthday

According to a 2011 study out of the University of Chicago, people born in October “have a significantly higher likelihood of survival to age 100 compared to individuals born in April.” You may want to start a retirement savings fund for your child as soon as possible.

5. They have fewer cardiovascular disease risks

Another study, from the Institute for Demographic Research, found that while October babies have high overall disease risks (by a very small amount) they have lower risks in one area that really counts: cardiovascular disease. Yes, October babies tend to have healthy hearts, which may explain why so many grow up to be centenarians.

6. They have good mental health

Researchers have also linked October birthdays with a lower risk for suicide, indicating that babies born this month may be prone to good mental health.

Physically and mentally, an October birth bodes well for future health, statistically speaking. That’s good news for any future presidents born this month.

A version of this post was published October 1, 2018. It has been updated.