mother kissing baby
Top Ways to Know if You’re Ready to Have a Baby
Attributed Post
Most women will get broody at one time or another. If you see friends or family members with a baby, you can start to think about how you would like your own. They are great, and the unconditional love you feel can’t be explained. But it’s not easy to have a child with strains put on your life. Here are the top ways to know if you are ready to have a baby.
You are financially ready
Babies cost you and your partner money. Buying all the stuff they need can reach thousands. Your baby will need a crib, a pushchair and nappies to name just a few essentials. We have a handy checklist for new parents so that they know everything they need to buy in advance. And when they are born, the money going out will continue for the next 18 years! If you struggle to make ends meet, there is no point of having a baby yet.
You are in a committed relationship
If you aren’t in a committed relationship, it’s not the right time to have a baby. Arguments between you and your partner will not be any good for a newborn baby to hear, so there is no point having one. Some people have a baby because they feel it will help make their relationship better, but a child is not an experiment. As this article explains, you both need to be committed to wanting a child. Otherwise, your partner might leave when you need him most. He might resent the child and then your relationship will fall apart. Make sure you sit down and talk about it openly before starting to try.
You have a house
Ideally, you will own property when you have your first child. But if this is not possible, you need to, at least, have a rented property that will have space for another person. A baby takes up space, and if you are currently at home with your parents, there is no point trying for a baby yet.
You are prepared to put your career on hold
Your career will have to go on hold if you decide to have a baby. You will be taking time off your job so you will need to be prepared to do this. If you are ready to have a baby, your partner should be in a job which pays the bills. As this blog says, you should be willing to take some time off work. If you aren’t prepared to do this, then you are not ready for a child.
You have completed your goals
If you have a certain amount of goals you want to achieve but haven’t, then, it’s not the right time to have a baby. If you are still at university or if one of you are planning to go back into education, you won’t be able to do this if you have a child. The same is true with travelling; get this out of your system first as it will be impossible when you have the responsibilities of a child.
Every couple is different, and there is no right age to have a child. If you are ready, make sure you talk to your partner and think it through properly.