Lots of decisions are no-brainers: whether you want fries or a salad with that, for example. (Fries. Always fries.) Wearing a condom for the first time with a new partner is another one. But deciding when’s the right time to have a baby...definitely not so cut-and-dry. (If only there were a crystal ball for this kind of thing, right?) The truth: There’s no perfect age to have a baby, so maybe stop with that thinking right now. Every woman’s body and life circumstances are different. But there is one truth that’s kind of hard to swallow: Women aren’t fertile forever, writes Kristen Domonell in her article, "Real Talk: Is There A ‘Right’ Age to Have a Baby?” published by Women’s Health. 

Experts say the best time to have a baby is between a woman’s late 20s and early 30s, as this age range is associated with the best outcomes for both parents and the new-born. Weekender’s Delphine Maombi talked to a few individuals who share their views on the subject.

Denyse Umuhuza

Age should not be a huge factor. It should be when someone is emotionally and financially ready. I wish the freezing eggs technology was accessible and affordable so women can extend the period they decide to have babies. Otherwise there is too much pressure to have babies when young, yet many are not yet ready to take responsibility.

Adam Komezusenge

I think there is no ideal age to have a baby. Anyone who has gone through adolescence can have a baby, as long as they feel they are mature enough to take on the duties of childbirth.

Ange Marie Curie Nzamwita 

I think there is no ideal age to have a baby.  What’s important is how responsible a person is, mentally and emotionally. It is also ideal to be financially stable as the baby will need to be taken care of. If all that is in the package then the person is ready to have a baby. 

I think the perfect age to have a baby is at least 25 and above. At that age, the person is mature enough to handle parental responsibilities. I also think that at that age, a person knows what they want in life and have recognised future dreams, and that’s a very good factor as it shows that one is ready to have kids.

Gisele Turinimana

I don’t think that a specific age to have a baby is necessary. What matters is the desire have a child.

Seif Cyimana Bigamba     

There is no ideal age for me, but 25 for both men and women is good. I think at this age a person is mature enough to take on parental duties, to provide for the baby in all ways possible.