Knokke-Heist (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium’s 1st 2026 babies were born at AZ Zeno in Knokke-Heist and AZ Delta Rumbeke: Casey at midnight, Oona at 11:14 a.m., and Odet Allegaert, daughter of cyclist Piet Allegaert, at 6:15 a.m.
As VRT News reported, Belgium welcomed its 1st baby of 2026 at AZ Zeno hospital in Knokke-Heist. At exactly midnight on New Year’s Eve, Casey was born. The boy became the country’s first New Year’s baby of the year.
“Casey weighs 3,510 grams and is 49 cm long. Mother and son are doing well and are thoroughly enjoying this unforgettable start to the new year,”
the hospital said
Who are Belgium’s 1st babies of 2026?
The celebrations at AZ Zeno continued later in the morning. At 11:14 a.m., a 2nd New Year’s baby was born at the hospital.
“Oona was born healthy, weighing 2974 grams and measuring 47 cm long. She and her mother are also doing well and are enjoying their first moments of the new year together,”
the statement said.
3 babies were born at AZ Delta Campus Rumbeke on Thursday, Jan 1, 2026. The first baby of the day was Odet Allegaert, who was born at 6:15 a.m.
“Around 9 p.m., I started having contractions. Shortly after midnight, we left for the hospital while the fireworks were still in full swing,”
says Céleste, who now became a mother again.
“She was actually due on January 10th, but we knew it could happen sooner,”
says Céleste.
“She’ll always have to share her birthday with New Year’s, but we’ll do everything we can to make it a special day for her.”
Odet’s father is professional cyclist Piet Allegaert, who is preparing for the new cycling season. 2 more babies were born at the hospital later in the day.
“I’ve agreed with the team that I won’t be going on the winter training camp so I can stay with my family. I’ve been training intensively these past few weeks. On January 22nd, I’ll be riding my first race of the season in Saudi Arabia.”
The celebration for the 1st newborn of the year has been a historical event in Belgium for hundreds of years. At AZ Zeno Hospital located in Knokke-Heist on Jan 01, 2025, the first child born in Belgium was Mariana, who was born at 03:15 am with a birth weight of 2,270 grams and a 44 cm in height.
