How old is too old to have a baby?

I had my first at 37 and third at 44 (came as a total surprise). Having children later in life meant that we were more confident, had decent jobs, had travelled extensively and lived life to the full before kids came along.

No one cares lol. You're an elderly mother and you think it's great.

But would very much like to know why you're lying that "all 3 of my children are under 4" on one thread when you've got "DD aged 9" on another, and the threads are 2 months apart.

Liars on the internet intrigue me.

33 to 36 is my ideal age to have kids but it’s taken us longer than expected so I’ll be at least 35 when we have our first. I think up to 41 is probably fine in this day and age. My parents had me at 41/42 though and they felt a lot older than my friends’ parents when I was a kid, and I do think the age gap feels quite significant. But having kids any younger than 33 just doesn’t feel realistic when you’re saving up for a house and building a solid career and nest egg which you can leave to compound over the years. Plus we got to do a lot of fun travelling and have great experiences that our friends who had kids young wish they had had before having kids.

I had my youngest at 44 - she’s 22 now - the pregnancy was the pits (I had hypergravidim but I also had that with my 1st). The rest was no different to my first. I think it really depends how young you feel - I didn’t feel any different to many of the other mums who were 10 yrs younger (I don’t think many of them knew).

I wouldn’t want to be coping with teens in my 60’s and I’d like to be around to support my children in their adulthood and if they have children of their own. I’d hate to have care needs as they are trying to cope with young family. I had mine in my 20’s and another at 31. Life in my 50’s is mine and has been for years, I have all the time I want to do anything or nothing and I really do appreciate it. Like everything the load increases over time, a 3 year old in late 40’s might be manageable but a 17 year old in mid 60’s not so. It really depends on your health.

40. My mum was 60 when I graduated and looked more like my grandma. We weren't close due to the age difference. She seemed like an old lady. And then too old to be a hands-on grandma when I had my dc.

Depends on your circumstances. I would have loved to have kids in my 30s and it didn’t happen, I had to wait till my 40s The most difficult for me is a lack of support - I’m looking after a 6 year old and elderly parents. As well as a full time job. It’s all a bit much sometimes tbh, but that’s the same problem many women face, regardless of age.

Would have been 60, my mum got hers at that age so child support benefit until they are 18 so overlaps by a year. That’s my maths!

For women, if you are biologically capable of conceiving naturally , you're not too old.

For men I would suggest a cut off of around late 40s to ensure you're not still bringing up children past retirement age and to make it more likely you'll live to see your children grow up.

How old was she when she got her state pension?!

I had my first at 34, my second at 35 and my 3rd at 37. I had my 2nd quickly as I was older and I had a lot of people around me with fertility issues. I was always aware that by 35 you have half or less than half of your egg count. I'd have a 4th if someone handed me a 4th but I definitely wouldn't have a 4th pregnancy in me. It's just really harsh on your body I think, everything hurts and you get every plague going with younger kids and you can't even take a lemsip. Pregnancy is lovely and all but it's hard going. I think I was old enough in my late 30s but who's to say I wouldn't of felt just as wrecked in my 20s. It's hard to know but the egg thing is something to consider.

My mother had my (only) sibling when I was 9 and she was 43. So some years later she collected child benefit and her state pension at the same time. Apart from being a little embarrassed by that I don't think she minded being an 'old' mother, and I couldn't have asked for a better one.

I'd say 35 or so, assuming you have a choice and can get pregnant when you want to. I started at 24 and had my last (of four) at 33, but have many friends who had babies around 35 and said that was their last. I do know a very few people who started having children in their late 30's, with later children in their early 40's but they found it quite exhausting.
None of this can apply obviously if you have trouble conceiving.

I think it depends on when you started - I think if you started young it might difficult to have another at 40. However, if you waited until your forties - it will be won't effect you as much.

Oh it definitely keeps you young!! I love my motherhood experience.. the good and the bad.. feel blessed to have that little creature who’s currently attempting to destroy the printer…

I had mine at 20 and 26, my mum had me at 37 and I felt she was way too old when I was a teenager so that put me off. I’m please now that I can leave my children alone at home for the day and not worry, we also go away lots as a couple and have lots of personal time. definitely don’t envy my sister who is 38 with two toddlers, my other sister had very much unplanned twins at 39 and then a horrific mid life crisis when they were 10 (she’s a lot older than me) so that has also put me off wanting any more, but lots of my friends are early 40s having first children and they are fine, they say they did their living before hand.

My personal cut off is 40 (for myself). However for others I wouldn’t even blink up to 49-50. I think at 50, 50+ is a bit reckless.

I was 37 and had no issues getting pregnant.

I quit my job and am a SAHM for now until school age. I spend more time with my kid than my young mum did with me and my siblings due to work (no dad around really). I wouldn't of been mentally or financially been able to cope with a baby in my 20s. I am tired due to a highly active young child but if he slept better and was a bit more chilled then I think I would be ok 😆

I think it's less of an age issue and more to do with your own situation.

I had DD1 at 41 & DD2 at 42. They were born 18 months apart. I didn’t meet my exH until I was in my late thirties. My DDs at 16 & 14 now and I’m so glad I had them later in life. I’m just more together and relaxed.

I didn't know this!! Such an important thing to consider.. I had my first at 35, and am pregnant with number 2 who will arrive when husband and I are 46 and 37. Our toddler is being assessed for autism - this could be related to our older age, but then again autism could have presented at any age.

Having a babies younger wasn’t an option for me as i hadn’t found my person until i was 31. Not only that, i think relationship and financial stability, (and health) are most important when considering children. So your question actually cannot be answered simply.

Because you wouldn't say "all three of mine are under 4" if you had a nine year old.

As you well know. All of the children are not under 4 if one is 9.

I had my only child at 43. It keeps us young. We're active, healthy and financially secure. Pros and cons at any age!

Had my second and last at 39 he was a really easy baby and it wasn’t a problem. He’s 9 now eldest 13 and all good