St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital has unveiled a new seasonal baby name wall to celebrate every birth in 2026 — and early numbers suggest February will be the busiest month of the year.
Building on the success of 2025’s much-loved bee-themed display, the maternity unit has refreshed the concept with a seasonal twist. Each newborn’s name is added beneath a symbol representing the season they arrive: a sun for summer, leaf for autumn, snowflake for winter and flower for spring.
Nurse Unit Manager Renae Heatley said the idea continues a tradition that quickly became a favourite with families.
“Parents absolutely loved seeing their baby’s name on the wall last year,” Ms Heatley said. “It was such a simple gesture, but it meant a lot. This year’s seasonal theme lets us continue that tradition in a new way.”
Early birth figures indicate February is shaping up as the peak month, mirroring broader national trends that show late summer is typically a busy period for births across Australia.
“With more than 500 babies expected to be born here this year, the wall will fill quickly,” Ms Heatley said. “It will be really special to look back at the end of the year and see which season welcomed the most babies, and how that reflects our local community.”
The initiative forms part of the maternity unit’s focus on creating a welcoming, patient-centred environment — recognising that outstanding care is shaped not only by clinical expertise, but also by the experiences families take home with them.
“As midwives, we’re privileged to be part of such an important moment in people’s lives,” Ms Heatley said. “This is a small but meaningful way to help families feel seen, supported and celebrated.”
The seasonal baby name wall will continue to grow throughout 2026, offering a living snapshot of the newest members of the Ipswich community.
