Should I have a baby?

me and my boyfriend are thinking about having a baby and my friends have it and are fine should I?

While we live in this great country the USA where you have the freedom to bear a child if you wish - it doesn't mean it's the right thing for you, the father or the baby.

There are a lot of things to consider.

Are you getting a job to support the baby?
Are you financially secure?
do you have health insurance?
Is your job secure?
Do you have your own place?
What about transportation?
Will you be able to go back to work right away?
Will you have to depend on ONLY His income for a time?
Will you be dependent on your parent's income?
Are your parent's ok with that?
What if the baby is sick, is your job/school going to allow you to be away?

Here's what you should do to get a picture of WHY it may not be the right thing for you right now.

Get a recent newspaper and look for a place to rent. Write down how much it would cost to rent a month.

Now figure out your utilities(heat, water, sewage, trash pickup, electric etc) and how much they would cost a month.

Do you want cable tv? internet? add those costs in there too.

Car payments? Add that.

Don't forget about the delivery! It easily costs between $5,000-$8,000 for a normal vaginal delivery, up to $12,000 for a cesarean delivery and much more if there are complications. If you are covered by insurance, it may cover most of the cost.

If you plan to use disposable diapers, plan on spending between $1,600-$2,300 by the time your baby is potty-trained. Expect your baby to go through at least 7-8 diapers a day on average and spending $80-$130 a month on diapers alone (especially in the first few months, when changes are more frequent.)

For formula (up until your baby is one-year-old), expect to spend between $1,000-$2,300- depending on whether you use powder in a can or ready-to-pour liquids. Plan on spending at least $40 a week on infant formula.

Don't forget about food for you, him and baby!

This is a break-down of the average prices for baby items (not all are a necessity.)

Crib with mattress- $160-$750
Crib bedding set- $35-$270
Crib blankets (4-6)- $8-$40 each
Fitted crib sheets (2)- $8-$20 each
Water-proof mattress cover- $10-$20
Bassinet or cradle- $35-$260
Changing table- $70-$600
Changing pad & cover- $25-$50
Dresser- $90-$650
Rocker or glider- $90-$500
Car seat- $35-$280
Stroller or travel system- $30-$300
Playpen or porta-crib- $60-$180
Swing- $45-$130
Play center or walker- $50-$125
Mobile- $25-$70
Baby carrier or sling- $20-$140
Monitor- $20-$230
Baby gate- $35-$250
Bouncer seat- $30-$90
Toy box- $25-$90
Gym or play mat- $25-$90
Doorway jumper- $25-$60
High chair- $45-$240
Diaper bag- $10-$60
Diaper pail- $20-$45 Refills- $15-$20 (3 pack)
Thermometer- $10-$90
First aid supplies (kit)- $20-$30
Humidifier or vaporizer- $15-$130
Bottles 8 oz & 4 oz (8-10)- $10-$20 (3 pack) or $20-$40 (starter set)
Bottle warmer- $18-$35
Sterilizer- $30-$70
Breast pump & accessories- $45-$350
Breastfeeding pillow- $20-$35
Bath tub or seat- $15-$35
Hooded towels (4)- $6-$30 each
Wipes (a lot)- $4-$5 (pack)
Clothes for first year- $500-$1,200

Add all that up. Now do you see why having a baby at 15 isn't a good idea?

You're 15 and have your whole life ahead of you. I definitely don't think you should get pregnant right now. I think your desire to have a baby right now is stemming from loneliness.

Why not get a puppy or a kitten or maybe work at a home or a daycare?

xox
Sika

that is something really serious to think about. Don't rush into having kids. It's a lifetime commitment. you might as well enjoy your life right now without a little one.

Wait tii your older

Dear tiffany15,

According to your profile age, you're only fifteen, and why on earth would you want a baby at such a young age? You have a whole life ahead of you, and you're so young. You want to turn around, settle down and have a baby? Think about it for a minute.

Sincerely, Danielle

you are only fifteen.. you have your whole life ahead of you why would you have a baby now? your friends are probally lieing to you nothing comes easy with a baby in this world.

Wow, Sika, I don't think anyone else can say it better than that! Go girl!

Well I reallly don't know if you should...yes it is a really big decision...I had a baby at fifteen...well one montaway from 16 ...its really quite hard when they are newborn or when they get sick... but its all worth it.I stayed in school and I'm most likely graduating with a gold cord...its still way to hard because it just is your life is dedicated to them ..

Your just to young wait till you get married and finish school and get a rille job like a doctor or nirce or somthing that pays well I am not telling you what to do I just wont the baby to have a good life.

Don't just have one because "your friends have one" have one because you want one.

Think about this before you do.
Can you support this child completely?
Do you have your own house?
Would your parents have to pay and do everything for it?
Are you sure you boyfriend is the one?
Are you guys thinking about getting married?
Do you have a job?
Does he have a job?
Can you offored to pay for every thing it need; doctor bills, hospital bills, food, clothes, diapers?
Are you mentally and physically ready for a child?

Do some research.
If your asking people on here if you should have one, then I personally don't think you are ready.

hope I helped, xoxo

aren't you a guy, man

How old are you?

I'M 23 AND MY BOYFRIEND OF 3 years AND I ARE THINKING ABOUT HAVING A BABY. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO BECOME A MOM BUT I THINK I'M AT THE AGE WHERE I CAN HAVE ONE. I WANT TO WAIT UNTIL I'M 25 AND I THINK YOU SHOULD WAIT A LIL LONGER THAN 15. AT LEAST UNTIL you GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL. I HAVE FRIENDS THAT HAS KIDS AND THEY DIDN'T FINISH SCHOOL WITH ME. THEY ALL DROPPED OUT AND NOW THEY ARE DEPRESSED ALL THE TIME, DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY, DON'T HAVE A CAR, AND HAS NO EDUCATION. SO THINK ABOUT IT TRY TO WAIT UNTIL you are OLDER AND MORE STABLE.