To wonder... how old is too old to be a dad?

[Keletubbie]

My DP and I were having a baby chat the other night, and this topic came up.

I'm 31, with a 6 year old DD from a previous relationship. DP is 45 with no kids. We've been together for 18 months and all is well.

I didn't think I wanted any more kids - I hit the jackpot with my mini me and was a single mum until she was 5, so it was bloody hard work. But lately I've been thinking that 'just one more' would be nice...

We're not ready to take the plunge yet, but how long is too long to wait? Especially as DP is that bit older? I have no reasons to doubt my fertility... just curious what others think.

DH's dad was 43 when he was born. DH always felt like he missed out because his dad was much older than his friend's dads (lived in an area when everyone had kids in their early 20's)

DH's dad got dementia early and it was very tough. DH wanted kids as soon as we were married so he was 31 and 33 when they were born. He said that's his upper age limit for fathering children. Just a different persepctive.

My DP is late 40s and I am a lot younger, I would love a baby, I am always doubting his age though as we aren't even ready yet....

I had a friend at University with a half-brother 45 years his senior!

I have been with my DH for 14 years. Our daughter is 12, and he is the best steps as in the world to my 16 year old daughter.
I'm 47, he is 73. I've never been so happy in my life.

Don't you need less sleep per night the older you get?

I imagine that being pretty handy

My DS1 is 14 and my DH is not yet 40. (Not remarkably young at all but...) He is quite amazed and comfortable that he has the youngest dad amongst all of his friends. He has started doing the sums in his head about how old his dad will be at various stages in his life compared to his pals (some of them have dad's 15 to 20 yrs older than my DH) and I wonder whether it is something that the boys discuss and possibly wind each other up about-the age of their dads? Might be something to consider once they get to the age to realise the relevance of the age of parents.

I think it may depend on the health of the person aswell.. my dad is now 56 and youd think he was about 40.. still has all black hair and everything! my uncle was 58 when he had his twins with his girlfriend (32) and theyv just had another and hes now 60. I dont agree but only because of his health.

Totally depends on his health.

My dad was 63 when he had kids with mum. Stopping when he was 69 with 4 kids. He lived until he turned 93 and was otherwise healthy.