Am I Ready for a Baby? Any parent you ask will tell you that nothing ever truly prepares you for the ups and downs of parenthood. However, there are definite times in life when we’re absolutely not ready for a baby, and other times when we’re probably going to be as prepared as we ever will be.
If you’re thinking about trying to conceive a child in the coming months or years, here are some signs to look out for that might give you some comfort to go ahead.
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Signs You’re Possibly Ready for Baby
① You’re Financially Stable Enough
We all know that babies cost a decent amount of money, both when they’re little and as they grow up. While you can be frugal and make ends meet on a small budget, it often pays to wait and have a baby when you’re feeling financially stable enough to afford it.
Having the money to live somewhere decent, pay your bills on time, keep some savings, and generally know where your money flows will make life easier for you and your family. It will reduce your stress levels at a time when you have enough to think about with a little one in your life.
② You’re Physically Healthy
If you plan to get pregnant, you want to give yourself the best chance of seeing those favorable lines on the pregnancy test ASAP and carrying the baby to term. While much of this is out of your control, you can get as physically healthy as possible before you conceive to help your body be in an optimal condition for sustaining new life.
Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, take multivitamins and prenatal supplements, and have an understanding of how to keep your stress levels low. Taking these steps will improve your body so a baby is more likely to come along and be healthy, too.
③ You’re Working on Your Mental Health Challenges
You also need to get your mental health in order before you’re ready to have a baby. While many of us have illnesses or other long-term challenges that we have to manage consistently rather than getting rid of entirely, we can be proactive with our mental health to keep it as level as possible.
If you’ve worked on yourself and taken steps to deal with mental and emotional issues, you will be more ready for a baby when one comes along and for the highs and lows of pregnancy, too. If you’re still struggling somewhat with your mental health, it’s time to speak with a doctor and talk with a therapist.
You don’t have to do this in person, though. For instance, look up an online portal for mental health assistance such as any online therapy. People often find digital sessions make them feel more comfortable to open up due to the distance, so it’s worth trying this avenue. You can also read books, attend workshops and classes, and take other steps to work on your mental health challenges before you have a child.
④ You Notice Babies Everywhere
If you find yourself continually noticing babies everywhere you go and getting jealous any time friends mention that they’re pregnant or adopting, etc., this is a clear sign you’re clucky and keen to have your own little bundle of joy. The more we focus on particular goals and desires, the more obvious it is that these are front of mind for us and something we’re pining for.
⑤ You’re Past the Partying Stage
You might notice, too, that you no longer care about going out partying. If your preferred nights are those held in with your partner or family or friends, this is a clear signal you’ve moved past the partying stage and are ready to settle down. Plus, if you’re OK with not doing much traveling over the coming years and with staying close to home instead, this shows you you’re interested in nesting and would do fine with the essentially homebound lifestyle that comes with being a new parent.
⑥ Your Relationship with Your Partner is Solid
No one wants to have a baby with their partner, only to have that relationship go bust soon after. As a result, think carefully about how solid your relationship is with your significant other before going down the baby path. Consider how likely it is that the pressure will get to you both when you’re trying to raise an infant.
You should have effective communication skills, shared values, and have the same types of wants for your child. Spend time talking at length about having a baby and what will change, and how you’ll cope with that.
Some other signs you’re ready for a little one include that you’ve spent plenty of time with young children and this hasn’t put you off, and you find yourself unconsciously planning for a new addition to your household.
Pay attention to these types of signals over the coming months, and you’re sure to get your answer about whether you’re ready for a baby or not.
