The Countess of Chester Hospital Maternity Unit has welcomed three Leap Year babies today (Monday, February 29).

Once every four years February has 29 days instead of 28, with newborns arriving on this date known as 'leapers' or 'leaplings'.

From immediate questions about how to celebrate infrequent birthdays to expectations that leaplings will develop unusual talents, it can be a lot for new parents to take in.

Jonah Theodore Penny-Larter was the first Leap Year baby of 2016 to arrive at the Countess after he was born at 4.45am, weighing 8lbs.

Jonah Theodore Penny-Larter was the first leap year baby of 2016 to arrive at the Countess after he was born at 4.45am, weighing 8lbs
Jonah Theodore Penny-Larter was the first leap year baby of 2016 to arrive at the Countess at 4.45am

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Mum Rowena Ridgway, from Farndon, admitted she had initially been hoping Jonah, who was six days past his due date, would avoid joining the leaplings.

"I was hoping he wouldn't, to be honest, but I got to the point where I just wanted to have him," she said.

When asked how Jonah will be celebrating his unusual birthday from now on, she added: "We'll probably celebrate it on the 28th I would have thought and then have a special one every four years."

Lucy Marie Cooke was born at 04.52 on February 29, weighing 8lbs 1oz
Lucy Marie Cooke was born at 04.52 on February 29, weighing 8lbs 1oz

Lucy Marie Cooke was born shortly after at 04.52, weighing 8lbs 1oz.

Dad Paul, from Neston, revealed that Lucy was due later this week but she had other ideas.

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"She was actually supposed to be due on Wednesday, March 2, so she was an early arrival. We joked about it at the beginning of the week," he said.

Mum Alex added: "We jinxed it by saying 'what do you do about the birthday?'. Then we were like 'she's definitely going to arrive tomorrow'."

When it comes to unusual talents they would like to see Lucy develop as a leapling, Paul added: "Keep her sister quiet, because we can't do it!"

Amelia Grace Ennis was born to parents Becky and Mike Ennis, from Penymynydd, at 5.48am.

Leapling Amelia Grace Ennis arrived at the Countess of Chester hospital at 5.48am on February 29
Leapling Amelia Grace Ennis arrived at the Countess of Chester hospital at 5.48am on February 29

Weighing 8lbs, she arrived right on time as the first due date her mum and dad were told was February 29.

Matilda Owen made her entrance into the world weighing 7lbs at 2.10pm, 12 days late.

Her delighted parents are Tracey and Martin Owen, from Frodsham.“She won’t turn 18 until she’s 70 so she’ll have to wait until then to have a drink,” Martin said.

Matilda Owen born at the Countess of Chester Hospital on February 29, Leap Day
Matilda Owen was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital on February 29, Leap Day

Head of midwifery at the Countess Julie Fogarty said: "We're all excited for families welcoming a new member to their families on this special phenomenon and we wish them well as they start family life."

The family of the another Leap Year baby born at the Countess did not want to feature in any publicity.