A question we often ask ourselves is: What is the Best Age to Have Kids?
The answer is certainly personal and situational to each family and couple. However, let’s dive into investigating the best age to have kids and also the benefits of having children at that age.
Is it best to have kids in your late teens?
Financially, it is probably not the best time to have kids in your late teens.
In your late teens, you are still in the launching phase of your life. You are in high school/college. You probably don’t have an income to support yourself and a child.
This is the perfect time in your life to gain an education, explore the world, and continue in the launching phase of life.
RECOMMENDED READING: Check the Everything Mom Pregnancy Calendar for a week-by-week guide during your pregnancy. From everything from swollen feet during pregnancy to morning sickness it’s a one-stop-shop for learning what to expect throughout your pregnancy.
What is the Best Age to Have Kids?
Starting a family in your twenties
In your twenties, you have the energy and stamina to keep up with the multiple feedings for newborns throughout the night. You are young enough that you can adapt to eating and sleeping at odd hours.
When you are in your twenties, you have most likely started a career/job. You probably have a steady source of income. You are living on your own with your partner and settling into married life.
When thinking about having a baby in your 20s you want to make sure you are ready to take care of a baby which includes taking them to medical visits, eating well, getting exercise.
However, with the generations today many twenty-somethings are putting off starting a family in order to pursue their own goals. Travel. Moving up the corporate ladder. Starting their own businesses. Further education. Pursing work/life balance.
Is this the best age to have kids? It might or might not depending on your goals and aspirations.
A little research on being an older mother
According to a New York Times article on birthrate, there is a shift toward becoming older mothers. According to this article older mothers thrive because “… {they}have more psychological flexibility, more cognitive flexibility, more ability to tolerate complex emotional stimuli from the children.”
Having a baby in your thirties
By the time you are in your thirties, you might be mid-career. You might even being switching to second or third careers by now. You are more financially independent. You have probably settled into your home. You have traveled to a variety of places and perhaps you are ready to settle down.
Having a baby in your thirties allows you to enjoy the financial stability you have worked for through your twenties and really enjoy your new bundle of joy.
If you want to wait until 35 or older you want to consider the risk of waiting to have kids because you will be considered a “high risk” pregnancy.
What you need to know about geriatric pregnancy
A geriatric pregnancy a woman who is 35 years of age or older and is pregnant.
Risks when having a baby when you are 35 years old or older
There are some risks about being an older mother according to the University of Rochester Medical Centre:
- Potential for miscarriage
- Possibility of birth defects in the baby
- Potential for multiples (i.e. twins)
- Possibility of high blood pressure in mother
- Potential of mother having gestational diabetes
- Possibility of increased difficulty in labor
Work with your health care provider
Whether you plan a pregnancy or are surprised by one, it is important to work with your health care provider to ensure you make informed decisions regarding your health and your pregnancy.
Your health care provider may suggest:
- Physical exams
- Blood pressure testing
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- Urine tests
- Glucose screening
- Monthly visits
- Weekly visits
- More advanced tests and screening if necessary
Everything You Want to Know about Your Pregnancy Trimesters
EverythingMom has a wealth of information about First Trimester Symptoms, Second Trimester Symptoms , and Third Trimester Symptoms.
As your body changes throughout your pregnancy, it can be calming to read and research your changes. In addition, it doesn’t hurt to read ahead a month or two and learn what to expect. From eating habits to sleep changes to baby kicks and hiccups – learning how your body evolves through pregnancy can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and eradicate concerns.
Questions to ask yourself when you are considering the best age to have kids
- Am I physically/medically fit? If not, what should I do?
- Is there a family medical history (on either maternal or paternal side) that might affect this pregnancy, birth, or life of this baby which my health care provider should know about?
- Am I/can I be financially independent? If not, how can I get help?
- Is my relationship stable and healthy? If not, what can I do?
- Do I have stable housing? If not, where can I go?
- Do I have a supportive social network?
- Do I have a health care provider?
- Do I prefer a doctor or midwife?
- Would I like to have a doula or birth coach?
- Do I want to stagger my kids’ ages? What is the right age distance between kids for my family?
- What can I do, in future, for childcare?
- Will I want to/need to go back to work after this pregnancy? How soon after pregnancy?
- Is there maternity leave, where I live? How do I qualify? How much of my income will I get for maternity leave? How do I apply for maternity leave?
- How do I feel about starting a family? (Scared? Excited?)
The best age to have kids comes down to your personal situation. Consider your relationship, finances, psychological and physical status. Sometimes pregnancies are planned and sometimes you get a surprise. Either way, your first step is to visit your health care provider and confirm the results. Then, with your health care provider, you can discuss options. And if you are unable to become pregnant for whatever reason, please know you have options like fostering and adoption. There are many kids out in the world who need good families. That could be you!
Check out these great posts!
- 16 Must-Watch Family Halloween Movies for Spooky Fun Nights!
- 13 Simple Last Minute Halloween Costumes
- 51 Fun Halloween Craft Ideas For Kids
- Fun and Simple Halloween Crafts for Kids
- The Ultimate Nursing Chair Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect Spot
Don’t forget to check out the pregnancy calendar too!