Babies are always active, eager, and inquisitive, but they do need your attention and your involvement in their amusing little antics. Because they are so high in sugar in their early years, they can occasionally make you feel agitated and tired. Most of the time, they spend the day sleeping and only wake up in the middle of the night to call for your affection. Most likely, you and your spouse are thinking about getting one of these adorable little angels for yourselves. So, before you make any snap decisions, think about asking yourself these questions before having a baby to determine your readiness.
1. Is it the right time?
This may sound like a no brainer question but is it the right time to be a mother? May be you are willing to take all the steps but can you be there for your baby all the time? Probably your job won’t allow that. An average paid maternity leave issued by companies are 10 to 12 weeks. A baby requires his or her mother to be with them all the time until they grow a little older. Make sure you consider all related questions before having a baby to not regret later.
2. Are you ready to get a pregnant body?
Yes, we have all seen pregnant ladies gaining a few extra pounds and wearing maternity clothes that make their bellies look like pumpkins. But, if you are already overweighed, then you need to shed a few extra pounds to let the baby have some room. Pregnant bodies need a nurturing and moderate intake of supplements and healthy foods. Women expecting pregnancy need to abstain from smoking and drinking.
3. Are you financially covered?
Raising a baby needs good financial support from both the mother and father. They need baby foods, cribs, diapers, small baby clothes, and other products. No matter where you come from, having financial support also helps you execute certain long distant plans such as sending your child to college or throwing a marriage party for them. While a baby brings happiness undoubtedly this is one of the most important questions before having a baby.
4. Is your house baby-proof?
Building a nursery and baby-proofing your whole house is one of the earlier steps that you need to be ensuring. There are lots of small things from figurines, rings, marbles, etc that babies can accidentally swallow. You need to be putting these things out of the baby’s reach. Also, replace anything sharp with blunt and non-harmful objects.
5. Have your pets ever been around to babies?
Some of us, do have furry friends who like babies just as much as we do. But other pets may feel jealous and ignored in the addition of a new infant in the family, and it may cause them to be violent towards the little one. Just make sure to get an insight into the behavior of your pet around babies.
6. Is your mother or nanny available?
Let’s face it after the first few years of spending time with your newborn, you need to get back to your work life, and to do that someone you trust needs to take your place temporarily. The only person who can love your baby just as much as you do in your absence is your mother. So, talking with your mother beforehand may ease your work life a little.
7. Are you ready to stay up sleepless?
You turn off the lights and lay down, but moments later you hear your baby crying on the baby monitor. You have to get up to get her to sleep. Well, that’s just the part of raising infants. They don’t sleep a lot at night. So, stock up on your daily naps beforehand, and you’ll be good to go.
8. Can you play baby simulator games?
Playing baby simulator games earlier can save you much trouble. Just buy a toy baby from any toy shop and treat it like your own baby and pretend to make it fall asleep or change its diaper or feed it or carry it. These practices will be of help.
9. Can you live your work life with your family life?
Raising a baby will need patience and lots of responsibility. You would not get the feeling of responsibility just yet; it would naturally present itself when you become a mother or a father. That being said, ask yourself what matters the most, is it your family or your work? And Pursue your decision. Even be ready to take a career break in the worst scenario. Definitely discuss career related questions before having a baby.
10. Do you know any good pediatrician?
A good parent will always consider finding the best pediatrician for their little prince or princess. The first few years are when they are most vulnerable to any unknown stimulant. Even ordinary cold or fever may result severe in their cases. That’s when a good pediatrician is needed the most.
Conclusion
Carrie Fisher, who played princes Leia in “The Star Wars” once said, “Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be.” Just like that, every mother thinking of bearing a child should remember that the process, from conceiving to the due date consists of too many feelings, happiness, sadness, anger, and others just don’t let regret be a part of it.
