you asked... Q&A: Are we ready to have a baby? Re: How do we know when we're ready for kids? What do we need to think about? Good question... and it's not an easy one. Take advantage of your time alone as newlyweds, and use it to research when you want to get pregnant. Then, based on the following factors, set out a loose timetable. (Always open to future tweaking, of course.) Goals Are either of you still in school, or planning to go back at some point? How will that affect your finances, spare time and relationship? And, what effect will a baby have on that education? Career Yes, your twenties are prime baby-making years (fertility decline is thought to start at 27), but they're also a time for major career development. Good news: These days, having both baby and career isn't impossible. According to census data, over half of all women return to work within a year of having a baby. Of women with a college degree, it's over three quarters. And, more and more women are putting off parenthood (presumably spending the earlier years focused on work) -- birth rates for the over-40 crowd are increasing every year. Conception Chances are, you'll have little or no idea about your ability to conceive until you start to try. And yes, there is a chance that it could take months or even years . But, don't start trying unless you're honestly ready to be a parent in nine months