Should I have a baby?

People here are wise in telling you to wait. As it’s been repeatedly said, you’re 15- you have a whole life ahead of you. A baby will weigh you down at this stage.

I wanted a baby for a while as well- I felt like it would fill up this hole I had inside me, make me feel a little more complete. But I’ve also known, deep down, that it wouldn’t be right for me to bring a child into the world right now. Especially since my reasons for wanting one aren’t all the best. My partner and I talk about it, and we want to wait a few years. We’re getting married in a few months, and plan on starting a family 2-5 years later, after we’ve traveled and saved a bit, not to mention found a country/house to settle in and call home. Children need stability, and with my life being so hectic at the moment, I couldn’t give that to a baby.

I currently work as an au pair/nanny part time, for 2 gorgeous boys aged 5, and nearly 3. I love those little guys to bits- even nappy changing doesn’t bother me too much. But as much as I’m sad when I say goodbye in the evenings, I am so glad I can come home, have time to myself, go out with friends, sleep in on weekends, go out clubbing… without a little one attached to me.

Getting a kitten is a great idea- I did, and she’s still my baby. That’s one of the best things about cats- they always remain a baby to you, they love you unconditionally, and they never ask for money! Try babysitting- put an ad in the paper, get a feel for what it’s like taking care of a small child. You’ll appreciate your freedom a lot more!

You are even younger then me, I’m 18. I am an hournoring english student, and have a good paying job. My boyfriend of 2 years (at the time) had a son which I was helping him with. Once I was around them for SO long, I wanted to start a family of my own, that was it, my mind wasn’t changing. My boyfriend and I started having unprotected sex all the time, trying for a baby. When I got negative preg. tests I was always so sad, thats how much I wanted a child. So I came on this site, posting questions about how to know when I was fertile and stuff. I got a lot of negative comments back, people saying I was way to young and stuff. I got mad reading that stuff because its like they didn’t even know me so they had no right saying I shouldnt have a kid. But then, I decided to take everything into consideration just because I wanted the best. Two of my friends had babies, no long do they have friends, or much of a life at all. All of their time goes to the baby, all their money goes to the baby. Buying packs of diapers for the baby every day. They don’t have money for anything, they are living off welfare, they were once in your position, young… free. But not anymore, they had a BABY on their shoulder. You may not think you will lose your friends, but once you have absolutly no time or patients for them, they will slowly walk away. What if your parents don’t accept it? Then what? I know parents suck most of the time, but you have to think about them to, your their baby still and if you had a baby they would probley feel like failures. Do you really want that? What about a father? What happens when your child is asking where daddy is? I can almost guarentee the father wont stick around, or pay child support, ull be lucky if you ever hear from him again.What will happen when its fathers day at school and your kid doesnt have a father to take to school, because they were a result in this. Think about how that child will grow up and feel like, probley never meeting their dad. I thought my boyfriend of 2 years would stick around, once I told him I was no longer ready for a baby, he left me… just like that, 2 years of my life down the drain. You really have a lot of thinking to do, and I really hope you make the right choice. Think of what direction your life will go. A lot of teens end up having pre-mature babies because their bodies aren’t fully devloped yet and your baby could end up with serious illnesses. Please, don’t put a child through this. I know what its like to want one, but you really need to think first, and think hard. I know I cant make you change your mind but I’m hoping I can help you because people helped me. If you want to talk im here for you. I know that I don’t know much about you, but im sure you are smart enough to make the right decision.

I know you really want a baby.. But um. It is going to affect your life. Dramatically. Especially your near future. School, Highschool, Hanging out with friends. You’ll need a part time job to support the baby. But what will you do with the baby when you are at work? There are sooo many drawbacks to having a baby at that age. Just think; you have your whole life. Personally. I say, give it a few more years. By that, I mean, around 10.. Get a job, and make lots of money so you can proberly support the baby when you do have one.

maybe you should have a kid cause you want one! dont just do it for your mom and your brother…n make sure your boyfriend is guna be there for you cause some guys just get gurls knocked up and then they leave them… so be careful!

wow thats a dumb question. Ever sense I was 7 I wanted a baby are you saying sense im 13 I should have a baby lol! Sorry just had to point that out. Ok like honeybee said get a pet it shows responsibilty. Also your career doesn’t get pushed away

wow your only 15. I mean im 16 and I would like to have a baby but there are other ways… why dont you try to get a babysitting job? Because at your age there aint much jobs you can get to support it. Because it only seems like you would need around $600 in baby stuff but im taking parenting classes in school and when I seen the list I was like whoa!!! Yah not a good idea… But Good Luck!

Look at it this way. A baby is a 25 year project which involves not just time, but money as well. Can you afford the time and money?

You’re looking for responsibilites? How about some goldfish? Seriously though, How about doing some volunteer work with underprivileged people in your area, senior citizens, soup missions, that would be wonderful for character building and to impress others.

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 everyone is telling you the things they are telling you.

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 like what pinkpearl said - maybe work at a funeral home or a daycare?

xox Sika

I noo how you feel I want one as well

message me kaii

You are really too young to have a baby at your age… Anyways I am 15 years old too but I am NOT ready to have a baby yet…

I honestly don’t understand why people feel the need to post such long replies. I think the answer is PRETTY CLEAR. One word.

NO!!!

I say a babys not a good idea at the age 15 couse you will never be able to suport one at that age your not even old enouf to get a real job

if you want to prove your responsible to look after sumfin why dont you get a pet and look after that xxxhunixxx

I think you should ask her then if she says no ask her in another 5 months she’ll break

no,you are to young you should have something else better to do