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 darker hair complemented Sweeney's baby blue ballgown from Miu Miu, and matched with her over-the-elbow black gloves. —Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024

The final moments of the series saw Jesse get away and a wounded Walt spend his final moments with his one true love: His baby blue (meth). —Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 May 2024

At the sleek black entryway, bright red tables are set below baby blue pergolas. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 2 May 2024

Perfect for the bride's pre-wedding glam session, the collection includes a silky classic short robe ($88) — available in both bridal white and baby blue — which is trimmed with pretty lace details on the hem and sleeves. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024

The fishing boats moored outside the tavernas are as colorful as the neoclassical houses painted in contrasting shades of burgundy and baby blue, sunflower yellow and dove grey, pale pink and cypress green. —Rachel Howard, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Feb. 2024

Rain sold her beloved, baby blue VW Westfalia and moved to L.A. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024

Ballet flats are undoubtedly a spring staple, but Shields isn’t the only celeb upgrading to colorful shoes this season: Jennifer Garner and Joanna Gaines gave vibrant sneakers a spin, and Katie Holmes recently wore a pair of baby blue flats. —Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

In addition to the baby blue shown above, this comes in eight more colors, including black and red. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1