There is some truth to the old adage that "there is no perfect time to have a baby."
But there are some times that are better than others.
From being financially secure and emotionally ready to having the right support network
in place, here are the signs that you might just be ready to call up the stork and bring
a new bundle of joy into your life now.
Shared interest
One of the most important questions any couple should ask before taking the plunge into parenthood
is whether they both share the same desire to procreate.
While it's true you don't have to be married or even in a committed relationship to have
and raise a child, if your baby plans involve a full-time partner, it's important to make
sure both people are similarly committed to the concept of bearing children.
"We had a boy so he's gonna grow up and be just like me"
If not, it's the baby who will pay the price for one party's post hoc hesitation after
pregnancy.
Couples should make sure there are no assumptions about their expectations.
Babies bring on an entire new host of challenges, so there's no room for resentment when children
are involved.
Career stability
According to a 2015 survey from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, more than 60 percent
of married couples with children have both parents at work.
That means more than half the families in the United States are out there juggling sick
days, work travel, and day care drop-offs while maintaining a career.
That can be incredibly difficult to manage even with the best of professional positions
in play, but if neither partner has flexibility at the workplace, it may just be impossible.
Realistically, at least one parent-to-be should be in the kind of position that would allow
for the occasional, unexpected schedule shift because when it comes to kids, even the best
laid plans can go awry overnight.
The ideal gig would have fair maternity and paternity leave policies as well as the option
to telecommute during some of the many sick days that'll pop up along the way of raising
baby.
That can make the difference between sacrificing vacation days or even pay every time those
sniffles set in and maintaining a steady occupation.
So, if your career is conducive to kids already, you're in great shape to get started.
A village
While having a romantic partner isn't always a necessity for building a family, having
a support network of some sort is.
Whether it's having relatives who can pitch in with babysitting in a pinch, close friends
who can offer advice and consolation during the tougher moments with your tots, or a parent
group that can share in the responsibility of carpooling kids to soccer matches, it's
important to have some happy helpers in place before baby comes along.
"Why should I…
Why should I be happy about being a GRANDMOTHER!!!"
"Does this mean you won't be knitting the baby any booties?"
If you already have people in your life that you can trust and are willing to reach out
in times of need, that's a good sign that you're ready for what's to come with a little
one.
Financial readiness
The USDA estimates that it costs more than $16,000 per year to have one child under the
age of 1 right now, so parents can expect to shell out an inflation-adjusted amount
totaling more than $300,000 throughout the course of a child's upbringing.
That's not counting college tuition, potentially lost wages, and those other unexpected expenses
that creep up along the way.
From the mounting cost of diapers and formula in infancy to putting a down payment on that
first car, raising kids can be very expensive.
And while you don't have to be a one percenter to make it work, future parents should have
income stability and a workable budget plan in place before bringing another mouth to
the table.
Physical stamina
Most new parents would agree that the biggest challenge to raising a baby is the lack of
sleep that comes along with having a newborn.
"My brain is like oatmeal."
Even the healthiest little ones take several months to get into a circadian rhythm, so
it requires a lot of physical vitality to endure so many restless nights.
Even with a partner who might be willing to trade off turns handling the midnight feedings
and nappy changes, so much interrupted sleep can be taxing on a person's physical and mental
well-being.
As a result, a parent's overall health does become a major factor to consider when thinking
about a baby-to-be.
It's also important that a growing family has a steady healthcare plan in place in case
of emergencies and that they are willing to discuss any issues, including potential postpartum
depression, with a physician if and when those issues emerge.
Mess management
Another common complaint new parents tend to have is how chaotic and messy their lives
may become once kids come along and take over the household.
Being ready to sacrifice the pristine clean of your home and prioritize your kids' need
to make mistakes as part of the growing-up process is of paramount importance to being
ready to parent.
"What do you have there son?"
"Poopoo."
Final destination
It's a grim subject to consider so early on in the family process, but having an estate
plan in place is absolutely essential for new parents.
The fact of the matter is that we're all mortal, so bringing in new life that is dependant
on your own means you need to be responsible enough to plan for the people you might leave
behind if tragedy strikes.
Having a life insurance policy in place, along with a last will and testament that reflects
your wishes for your child and finances in the case you're no longer around, ensures
that your little one will be in good hands no matter what happens to you.
It might not be the most comfortable conversation for any couple to have, but being mature enough
to realize that end of life arrangements should be made before bringing new life into the
world is another sign that you're ready for the responsibility of being a parent.
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