Star map for birth: how to choose the right time, place and text
A star map for birth is especially beautiful when the details are chosen not only with emotion, but also in a way that feels right. Parents and godparents in particular often ask themselves: should it be the clinic or the actual place of birth, how important is the exact time, and what fits into the three lines of text without looking cramped? Here you will find simple guidance so your map feels calm, personal and accurate.
Which place belongs on the star map
For a birth, the actual place of birth is usually the best choice. In many cases, that is the clinic or birth centre, sometimes also home. If you are unsure, choose the place where the child was actually born, not the parents’ place of residence. The map shows the stars that were above that exact place, even during the day, even if clouds or city lights hid the sky.
If you are unsure whether to use the clinic name or the place name, a simple rule helps: for the calculation, the place matters; for the text, choose what feels more personal. So you can simply write the city on the map, even if the birth took place in a specific clinic there. This keeps the design calmer and more timeless, especially if the star map will later hang in the child's room.
Which time you should use
It is best to use the birth time exactly as it appears on the certificate or official documents. It is worth it, because every time creates a different map. The sky rotates by about 15 degrees per hour, so even a small difference has a visible effect. The live preview in the browser shows you the exact final print file, because the same calculation is used.
If you don’t know the exact time, an approximate one is still possible. In that case, it’s only fair not to phrase the text too precisely either. For example, you could mention just the date or leave out the time if you’re not sure. That keeps the map honest. It’s also good to know how to read it: the center is the zenith, the point directly above you, the edge of the circle is the horizon, north is at the top, and east is on the left. It’s a view looking up at the sky and therefore reversed compared with a road map.
Perfect for a birth
How to fill the three text lines well
You have up to three text lines, each with a maximum of 60 characters. The most harmonious result usually comes from a clear order: first the name, then the date and time, then the place or an extra detail such as weight. For parents, the simplest version is often the most beautiful, for example just the name, birth date with time, and place. For godparents, the third line can also include a small detail, as long as it stays brief and doesn’t look like a fact sheet.
For example, these formats work very well: "Emma", "12 May 2026, 03:18", "London · 3250 g". Or: "Welcome, Theo", "3 Nov 2025 · 14:42", "Paris". If you’d like to add the weight, check the length first. Here, less is almost always more. Long hospital names, several first names, and too much information at once can quickly make the map feel cluttered. If you have to choose, the name, date, and place are usually the strongest details.
Style, format, and the moon phase as an addition
For a nursery, soft colours often stay beautiful the longest. Among the 12 colour styles, Porcelain, Rose, Lavender, Sand, or Ocean can create a particularly gentle look depending on the room, while Midnight, Deep Black, or Golden Night add a stronger accent. The shape also influences the mood: the circle feels classic and clean, the heart softer and more playful. If you’re unsure, 50 × 70 cm is the most popular size and often a good middle ground above a changing table, armchair, or bed.
It’s also important to know what the star map deliberately does not show: it does not include planets or the moon. If you’d also like to capture the moon for a birth, a separate moon phase poster is a lovely addition. It shows the astronomically calculated phase for that night. That way, you can give the starry sky and the moon phase as a harmonious duo without mixing two different things on one map.
If you need it quickly: the digital file
For a last-minute gift, the digital star map is very practical. Just a few minutes after payment, you’ll receive an e-mail with a download link to a PNG file with 5906 × 8268 pixels. It’s print-ready for 50 × 70 cm at 300 dpi. If you’d like to print it yourself, matte paper from 200 g/m² is best. Smaller formats in a 5:7 aspect ratio can also be printed beautifully from the same file.
If you’d rather order a finished print: each piece is printed individually to order in the EU. You can choose from poster, canvas on stretcher frame, and framed versions in black or white, in 30 × 40 and 50 × 70 cm. Delivery is available to all EU countries except Cyprus and Malta. If anything goes wrong during printing or shipping, we’ll provide a free reprint in case of print defects or shipping damage. Personalised products are excluded from cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
What if the baby was born during the day?
The star map shows the stars that were above that place at that moment, even if the sun outshone them. So it’s about the astronomically calculated sky, not what could actually be seen with the naked eye.
Does an approximate time make sense?
Yes, if the exact time is unknown. You should just know that the sky rotates by about 15 degrees per hour, so the map will look visibly different. If you’re unsure, you can also leave the time out of the text and mention only the date.
Can I show the moon and planets on the same star map?
No. The star map shows neither planets nor the moon. If you’d like to capture the moon for a birth as well, a separate moon phase poster is the perfect addition.