How do you *know* you’re ready to have a baby?

Question

I know everyone says “you’re never really ready, you just make it up as you go”. And I know there’s no specific age where you *know*, but I was wondering if anyone had any moments or turning points where they felt like they were ready to get pregnant/have a baby?

Answer

That’s not a thing. You don’t just “know” when you’re ready to have a baby. 
You and your partner should be financially stable and have a good strong relationship before deciding together that it’s time to have a child. 
Women have a natural instinct that tells them they want to have babies. That DOES NOT mean you’re ready. 
Deciding to have a child isn’t a gut feeling. It’s an important decision that you share with another person to be financially, emotionally, and physically responsible for another human life for at least the next 18 years.

Answer

I felt like we were”ready”... as ready as we could be. 
We waited until our early 30’s, we owned our house, had little debt and financial comfort. 
We had plenty of support from friends and family, we had been together for many years (15) and knew we could give our children everything our parents gave us.

Answer

I don’t get the “youre never ready” saying - whatever it is that is holding you back and making you doubt that you are ready for something as huge as having kids - resolve it. You need to be ready physically, mentally, emotionally, financially etc etc if you’re not then work on whatever issue you’re having until you are. We were 100% ready.

Answer

We were married, bought our first apartment, and didn’t have any crazy debt and had a little savings. We were also together for about 5 years and had done a good share of traveling together. We both had stable jobs.

Answer

We wanted a baby for a long time but werent realistically ready. Once we owned a house, had more than enough each month for daycare and other baby expenses, and were ready to become "boring" we were ready. 
Really what it comes down to IMO is being financially ready, having a living situation you're comfortable having a baby in, having reliable vehicles, and being ready to trade nights out for all nighters  up with a crying baby. Your relationship should also be very stable as well of course. Having a baby can be a major strain on your relationship.

Answer

In my gut I always wanted to be a mom.. two years ago that became stronger and stronger and wanting to be a mom was my goal. BUT my husband and I had been together for almost 9 years, we had just bought our home, and we had a decent financial situation. I do believe that made me want a baby more and made me feel more “ready”. Knowing that I had a safe place for baby, the income to provide for baby, and a loving/stable relationship. My son is the best thing that has happened to me. Just know babies are expensive and need all of your attention at all times. 
Also, you should want to have a baby to have a baby, don’t just do it out of pressure from other people or because you feel like you “have to”. It’s okay to not feel ready or not want one for a while or even ever. (One of my best friends is going through the same thing).

Answer

I wanted kids sense 16. Of course I waited till I was 22 and with someone for a couple years. Sometimes you don't know. For me I dont want any more kids after 25 definitely not close to 30. And I want a big family

Answer

I feel like the “gut feeling” isn’t what you should used to decide such an important thing. We as women are biologically wired to want babies and to procreate. Of course you’re going to “want” to have babies. Besides for financial stability you have to also think if you’re ready to give up your current life (whatever that is) and if you’re ready to put someone else first before your needs no matter what. Even your own basic needs get put on hold no matter how supportive your partner is. I really felt like I wanted my twenties to be about me - about experimenting, going out, getting into trouble, whatever. Going and coming as I please! I started having children at 30 (31 when I gave birth). I still have friends around my age (37) that are not ready to have kids and put their needs second.

How do you know you’re ready to have a baby?

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