Growing a family isn’t a decision to make with haste. Having a baby changes almost every aspect of your life, from how much sleep you get to your monthly expenses. It’s neither a cheap nor easy process, so planning and preparing properly is essential.
The last thing you want is to be propelled into a situation you didn’t see coming. Or to suddenly find you cannot financially afford to give your child their best life. So, before you start trying for a baby, consider these six important considerations first.
1: The Relationship with Your Partner
How is your relationship with your partner? Ideally, you have a healthy, happy relationship, and you’re both at a stage in your life where having a baby makes sense.
Unfortunately, many couples try for a baby when their relationship is on the rocks, hoping it might bring them closer together. A baby is an enormous responsibility. If your relationship is less than ideal right now, it will look even more turbulent when a new baby arrives!
Before trying for a baby, sit down and have a good, lengthy chat with your partner. Talk to each other about the responsibilities of having a baby, including the changes that will happen further down the line (teenagers can be just as tricky as babies!). Navigate all the uncomfortable areas, too, such as religion and sharing responsibilities. It’s crucial to do this sooner rather than later.
2: Your Ability to Conceive
Trying for a baby should be an enjoyable experience for both partners. However, many aspiring parents find this time in their life quite challenging, especially when the couple does not get pregnant straight away. When months after months roll by with no sign of a baby, it can feel extremely disheartening and upsetting.
Before trying to conceive, consider that you might not find getting pregnant as easy as you thought. You might even discover that you or your partner cannot conceive at all. These situations may leave you feeling lost and without hope, but there are alternatives to the traditional method of getting pregnant.
Many couples find a solution through IVF. With a gestational carrier, your baby can have your and your partner’s genes, but the mother does not have to carry the child. It’s a big decision, but it’s one to consider if you’re serious about growing your family and have fertility issues. Of course, you’ll need to find support and do your research first. Finding a suitable surrogate can be a daunting task! If you’re at a point where finding a surrogate mother feels right for you and your partner, choose a good surrogacy agency like ConceiveAbilities for guidance and navigation through such an intense time.
3: Your Finances
Ask any parent, and they will tell you the same thing: having a baby is expensive. It’s nearly impossible to determine the exact cost of having a baby as many variables exist. A child with a disability or illness will inevitably lead to spending more money. If you want to send your child to a prestigious school and college, that will also add to the costs.
You need to have no set amount of money before growing your family, but you should feel financially comfortable and understand that a large portion of your salary will have to go toward raising your child. Here are just some of the expenses to consider:
- Medical costs
- An emergency fund
- Parental leave
- Baby clothes and supplies
- College savings
- Additional groceries
4: The Size of Your Home
Do you have enough room in your home for a baby? Many new parents choose to move home when they have a baby as they need more space for their new child. Of course, this is a huge cost and should be considered carefully. Many people advise that you do not move home while pregnant, as it would only increase stress levels.
You might have dreams about a beautiful, large nursery, but you can usually get away with a smaller size in the early days. Mainly, you’ll need to consider where all your baby’s items will go. As your little one grows, you might also want a decent-sized outdoor space for them to run around.
5: The Size of Your Car
When you’re young, a small, stylish car is more appealing. However, that all changes when you grow your family! It’s not just the size of your home you need to consider – it’s the size of your car, too. You need to be able to comfortably fit the whole family inside, including all the extras that come from having a baby, such as plenty of diapers and a change of baby clothes in the back!
Some of the best cars for growing families include the Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, and the Subaru Outback. All of these models are big and safe. Don’t forget about a good baby car seat, too. Choosing a well-known, trusted brand like Evenflo or Chicco is a good idea, as you can be sure of the seat’s safety.
6: Time Off Work
Most parents need to take at least some time off work when having a baby. The amount of time you’ll take off will depend on your personal circumstances. Some couples decide to have one partner quit their job altogether so that they can focus on raising the baby during the first few years. Others like to get back to work as soon as possible.
In the USA, The Family and Medical Leave Act means you are entitled (by law) to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. However, your job may offer more benefits, with many employers offering paid leave for new parents.
Ready for a New Baby?
Whether you’re planning for your first child or your fourth, give the decision plenty of thought. Bringing an entirely new human into the world is no small matter! Plus, if you’re prepared, you are more likely to have an easier time raising your new baby and giving them the best life possible.
