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Having a baby is one of the most exciting milestones in you and your partner’s lives. However, it’s also one of the most daunting and one that you can’t be 100% prepared for. Which is why it’s so important to truly consider if you’re ready before trying to conceive.
Everyone is different – and therefore they will undoubtedly feel ready for a baby at different stages of their lives. But if you’re noticing the following signs, then it could be an indication that you’re prepared to start a family in the near future:
1. You and Your Partner Have Agreed It’s Right
The first sign that you could be ready is that you and your partner have come to a mutual agreement about it. Being on the same page as your partner when it comes to having a baby is vital and a conversation that must be done before you start to try to have one.
As well as discussing the prospect, another sign of commitment is if you’ve had several conversations around baby names, how you’d decorate the nursery and the clothes that you’d have to buy.
2. You’re Financially Stable
Before you commit to the idea of having a baby you should be financially stable. Having a child isn’t a cheap process - and involves not only the initial costs like the delivery and items such as a pram/stroller, a car seat, a cot, clothes, etc., but other costs in the future.
You want to give your child the best future possible, so ensuring that you have the finances is essential to start with. Sit down with your partner and take a look at your finances, while costing up the potential outgoings of the decision. This will give you a good idea of if you’re financially secure enough. If you don’t have the savings or potential future income for this decision, then you may have to wait until it’s financially possible.
3. You Have a Strong Support Network
Not only will you need the support of your partner, but also your friends and family members. By talking to them about your decision and discovering their opinions it will give you the peace of mind that they are there to help out when the baby comes along – as well as throughout the pregnancy.
If they are excited about your decision and offer to help, then it could be a sign that you’re one step closer to being ready to have a baby.
4. You’re Ready For The Lifestyle Change
When you have kids, there’s no denying that your lifestyle will change. And if you’re ready for this change (i.e no more heading out to nightclubs, drinking heavily or seeing your friends every few days), then it could be a sign that you’re ready to have a baby.
That’s not to say that your life will completely change. You’ll still see your friends and family members, but some of the activities that you used to do will be put on hold for a while.
5. You Feel Prepared For The ‘Bad Days’
Ok, so not everyone is prepared for everything that parenthood brings. But if you feel ready to wake up several times throughout the night to feed, soothe your baby when they are crying seamlessly non-stop, etc. then having a baby could be a good decision for you.
Similarly, if you’re constantly reading ‘how-to’ books and searching on the internet about typical skin conditions babies can have (baby acne causes or colic symptoms, for example) it shows your dedication to the idea.
6. You Have The Desire
If your gut tells you that you’re ready to take the next step in your relationship, it could be a prominent sign that you’re ready. Although many people don’t have this natural desire from a young age, as they develop and their relationship strengthens it starts to find its way into their minds.
So don’t worry if you didn’t always have the desire. If you both have it now, however, then it’s a positive sign.
7. You Start to See Babies Everywhere
All of a sudden, no matter where you are, you start to see babies. Whether this is in the local store, while waiting for a train or at the doctor’s surgery, you taking more notice of them could be an indirect sign that you’re ready to have a little one of your own.
When you start to see them and think ‘aw that’s an adorable baby’ or ‘aw look at how small and cute he is’ it could be because you want one too.
8. You’re Not Terrified When You’re Late
The ultimate test as to if you’re emotionally ready is if you miss a period and you’re not terrified by the prospect of having a baby. If you’re excited and feel overjoyed by the positive result and start to envision the prospect, then chances are that you’re ready!
9. You Love Being Around Children
For some people, being around children all the time simply isn’t appealing. But for others, being around children is a wonderful experience that they look forward to.
If you love to look after your friend’s children or younger family members and showcase mothering/fathering traits when doing so, then it could be a direct sign that you’re ready to start a family with your partner. Just make sure that both of you are doing this – or that you’re both comfortable with the prospect of you creating your own family.
10. You Start To Unconsciously Plan For It
Whether you’ve just bought a new property and made sure that it had a couple of extra bedrooms or have upgraded your car so that it’s more spacious, it could be that you’re unconsciously planning for a family in the near future.
Of course, if you have the want to start a family in the first place, then it’s a sign that you’re ready for the prospect. But if you’re doing this without even realizing, it could be a clear sign that you’re on the path to parenthood.
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