baby blue

noun

1

: a pale blue

2

baby blues plural : blue eyes

She's a zaftig woman, with long red hair and a pale rose complexion setting off those baby blues.

—Michele Kort

3

baby blues plural in form but singular or plural in construction : a feeling of sadness that is experienced by a woman shortly after giving birth, that is typically accompanied by other symptoms (such as mood swings, crying spells, and insomnia), and that usually lasts less than two weeks : postpartum blues

Baby blues isn't an illness or even a proper psychiatric diagnosis, it is simply a way that people have tried to describe unpleasant feelings that occur shortly after having a baby and tend to resolve in a few days.

—Jackie Ganley

—usually used with the

a case of the baby blues

compare postpartum depression

Examples of baby blue in a Sentence

She gazed into his baby blues.

She had a bad case of the baby blues.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Winter Wonderland Collection, which launches Nov. 1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, comes five designs: solid white, fuschia and baby blue options, as well as pink with a shimmery silver pattern and seafoam green one with snowflakes. —Ada Tseng, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024

Its bursts of color come courtesy of mustard-yellow banquets and baby blue chairs. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2024

In the photos, the X-Men actress could be seen rocking a number of stylish outfits, including a floor-length baby blue dress, a red sweater and matching ballet flats, a matching two-piece ski set featuring a blue gingham print, and a backless black long-sleeve dress. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

Stand out looks include bold mustard yellow mixed with black lace and baby blue faux fur separates. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1