First babies of 2025 in Los Angeles

 Los Angeles ushered in a new generation in 2025 with several babies born in the first hours of the year. 

The first baby was Ariel Leilani, born at 12:01 a.m. at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach. According to a press release by the hospital, Parents Elsa Ruiz and Miguel Romero welcomed their surprise since the baby was supposed to be born on January 20.

“Ariel came out doing cartwheels when she was born, she was so excited to come into the world,” said Miguel in the release. “We didn’t expect Ariel to be born on New Year’s Day, since she was due on January 20, but we couldn’t be more thrilled! It’s an amazing way to kick off 2025 with our beautiful baby girl.”

In celebration of having the hospital’s first baby of the year, the parents received a special “First Baby Basket” from the hospital's care team, which included onesies, beanies, blankets, bathing items, and diapers. 

Then, at 3:37 a.m., baby Magnolia was the first baby to be born at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. She weighed 7 lbs and 6 oz.

Maria Sanchez, mother of Magnolia, said her due date was December 30, but the contractions started until December 31. When she arrived at the hospital, she was told she would stay because it was time. 

“At first, I thought I would be able to celebrate with my family,” said the 24-year-old mother. 

Despite being the last day of 2024 and while many people were celebrating, the medical staff at Dignity Health helped her and made her feel very comfortable.

Sanchez said that in 2025, she is very happy to have her 3-year-old son and her baby daughter healthy and safe. She is also very excited to learn that her daughter is one of the first babies of the generation Beta. 

“I would love to tell my daughter that I love her, and I'm very excited for what the future will bring for her and myself,” said Sanchez. “I feel that with all the new technology opportunities she has more chances of being successful.” 

Generation Beta

This year marks the beginning of Generation Beta, defined as those born between 2025 and 2039, according to Australia-based McCrindle Research. These babies are the children of younger millennials and older Gen Zs. While it is exciting to see these new babies coming to the world, it is also interesting to see this generation living in an era where Artificial Intelligence, automation, and climate change will be part of their daily lives. Many of them will get to live in the 22nd century, according to the research. 

It’s also very likely that Generation Beta will experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies, and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life. According to the research, a greater emphasis on personalization will mark their formative years—AI algorithms will tailor their learning, shopping, and social interactions.

Generation Beta will also inherit a world grappling with significant societal challenges. With climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanization at the forefront, sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation. 

This generation will be raised by Millennial and older Gen Z parents, who prioritize adaptability, equality, and eco-consciousness in their parenting.

Other babies born in Southern California

Other babies born in the first minutes of 2025 included baby Sophia born at 12:13 a.m., at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center to parents Alexandra Ceniceros and Gustavo Muñoz. 

Ellington James Green was born at Cedars-Sinai at 12:34 a.m. to parents parents Bret and Marlene. He weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces.

In Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital – San Bernardino County baby Carter King arrived at 12:32 a.m. His parents Alise Bailey and Eric King of Fontana said the baby was several weeks early. He weighed 5 pounds 3.8 ounces and measured 18.5 inches long.

At Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta, baby Kehlani was born at 2:24 a.m. to Winchester resident Samantha Perez.