New research published in Plos One indicates that the ideal age to have your first child is around 29, as it leads to better long-term health, happiness, and financial stability.

Key Findings of the Study

The study, titled ‘Congratulations, it’s a risk factor!’, found that individuals who become parents in their early twenties tend to have lower income, poorer physical and mental health, and less educational success compared to those who wait until their late twenties or early thirties.

Financial and Educational Outcomes

Researchers discovered that parents who have their first child later in life, particularly between the ages of 26 and 31, earn more money and achieve higher levels of education. The benefits of delaying parenthood plateau as individuals approach the age of 30.

Health and Well-being

The study also revealed that younger parents are more likely to report poorer health outcomes. Author Jordan MacDonald told PsyPost, ‘The younger someone is when they become a parent, the more likely they are to experience long-term challenges, including not finishing high school, reporting poorer health, and having lower income across the lifespan.’

Gender-Neutral Results

The findings were consistent for both teen and young fathers and teen and young mothers, indicating that the age at which one becomes a parent has significant long-term implications regardless of gender.