Ready to Have Another Baby? Think These Things Through First.

Babies are awesome! They’re cute. They’re funny. As one person said, they are a clear sign that no matter how crazy the world gets, it goes on.

You know what else babies are? Costly. Extremely time-consuming. And not super interested in what your needs are if they come at the expense of their own.

People who have multiple children (especially close together in age) will tell you that NOTHING---and we mean nothing---can quite compare you for the joy, and sheer disillusionment (and sometimes fear) that comes with having another child.

So before you let one of those cute diaper commercials tug at your heart strings, consider the following six things. Just to make sure you’re as ready as your heart may be telling you that you are.

1. Your budget

A few years ago, Huffington Post published an article stating that a baby born in 2013 will cost close to $300,000 to raise. You know that only goes up with every year. If every parent really thought about the expense beforehand, there’s a chance a lot of us wouldn’t be here! The point is not to discourage you, but encourage you to set up a budget and be realistic about if another child, right now, can fit into it.

2. Your schedule

If you and yours both work outside of the home and the plan is to put your new baby into daycare after maternity leave (your job does give you that, right?!), then this might not matter quite so much. But if you want to raise them at home or you travel a lot and things are already hectic, yes, think about your schedule. As you already know, children require A LOT of time and attention. You need to make sure you can offer that without totally overwhelming yourself in the process.

3. Your other child's needs

Sibling rivalry is real! A big part of it comes from the resentment older kids feel when they think a new baby is causing them to feel neglected. Even if you’re someone who wants another child because you want your kids to be close in age, make sure it’s not so close that you can’t meet the older ones’ needs. Be realistic about how much you can balance at one time.

4. Your health

Having babies is a very natural part of life. Your body was made to conceive. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a thorough check-up before trying to make another baby, though. Each pregnancy is different and as you get older, your hormones and body in general shift. Get the thumbs up from your doctor before making serious plans.

5. Your marriage

Babies don’t just change you, they change your marriage. A lot of couples don’t openly discuss the fact that while babies are a blessing, they can also put strain on the relationship. Deciding to bring another child into the world is not something you should choose to do on your own. Discuss it with your partner and take their feelings into consideration. The happiest children are the ones whose parents are happy too. Preferably together.

6. Your reasons

Take a moment to get really serious about why you want another child. If things like “my clock is ticking”, “my friends have multiple kids”, “I’m scared I might not get pregnant again if I don’t do it now”---rethink it. You and your child deserve more than doing something out of fear or comparing your home to the Joneses. Have a child when your mind, body and spirit are ready. No sooner. No later.