First-time parents Katie Bowers and Stefan Wyatt, both 33, knew they were due to welcome their baby on a special day this festive season, as Katie was due on New Year’s Day.

Their daughter, Sienna (above), however, had other ideas and was born just after 9pm on Christmas Day.

Katie, of Harold Wood, said: “She was a very special gift – one that will be hard to top!

“We were due to spend the day with family but we didn’t even have time to wish them a merry Christmas as my waters broke at 8.30am and we went straight to hospital. Now everyone is looking forward to meeting her so we’ll be seeing family over the next few days. All our presents are still sitting wrapped under the tree.”

While Sienna made an early entrance, baby Haidar (below with big sister Mirha) was over a week late from his 16 December due date.

Dad Salman, 37, said: “Me and my wife Aiman were both getting a little worried when there was no sign of him. We went to see the midwife and Aiman had a sweep, which can help bring on labour, on Christmas Eve.

“It’s very special that he was born on Christmas Day. We are Muslims and Monday we respect more as our messenger was born on a Monday, so it was even more special for us.”

It was an emotional time for them, as Salman’s father, who adored his grandchildren, died in 2022.

Salam added: “It was very emotional without him. My mum, Akhter came over from Pakistan for the birth and was very excited to meet him. She also looked after our daughter, Mirha, 22 months, while we were in hospital, and totally spoiled her.”

The family, of Romford, enjoyed a meal with friends after returning home on Boxing Day, and were very grateful that their friends had postponed their special meal for them.

Sienna and Haidar (pictured above with grandmother Akhter) were two of 16 babies born at Queen’s Hospital on Christmas Day, with the first born at 12.56am.