How we chose our babies' birthdays

Some parents go to extreme lengths to ensure their children are born in the 'right' month. These two mums explain why

- ALLEY EINSTEIN

Picking when to start trying for a baby can be a difficult decision. Couples usually ask themselves questions like, ‘Are we financially stable?’ and ‘Are we in a happy place?’ But there are less obvious considerations.

Recently, the parenting guidebook What Works? called for kids born in the summer to have their marks adjusted to make up for the disadvantage of being the youngest in their year. Those born between June and August can underperform compared to older classmates and are more likely to have special educational requirements and low self-esteem.

For years, parents who place a strong emphasis on the academic success of their children have admitted to planning the exact time of year they wanted to give birth, making sure their children are among the oldest in the school year.

There are other reasons for planning so meticulously. Here, two women who plotted the birth of their children to the month reveal all about their best-laid plans.

‘When we started trying, my first thought was the baby’s star sign’

Terri Wilkins, 31, works as an admin assistant and lives in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, with partner Ronald. I’ve always been interested in star signs. The predictions have been a huge guidance to me. I learnt how important it is to surround yourself with people who complement your star sign, and when