18 Sure Signs That You're Ready to Be a Parent

By Hilary White
Flickr user donnierayjones
Flickr user donnierayjones

Everyone's definition of "ready" for a new baby varies, but one thing is for sure: life as you know it is changed forever once they make their way into your world. If you find yourself offering to babysit for your friends for free just so that you can hang with a cute baby, or if you're planning out baby names and tiny toddler outfits in your spare time, then it might be time to start thinking of having one of your own. Here are some telltale signs that babies may be in your near future.

01
You voluntarily read baby blogs and know all the latest parenting news.
ABC

You voluntarily read baby blogs and know all the latest parenting news.

02
The thought of sleeping in three-hour increments is exciting to you.
NBC

The thought of sleeping in three-hour increments is exciting to you.

03
You keep your calm when kids do ridiculous things.
E!

You keep your calm when kids do ridiculous things.

(And usually find it supercute.)

04
You can eat anytime, anywhere, while doing anything.
NBC

You can eat anytime, anywhere, while doing anything.

Eating standing up while simultaneously doing laundry? No problem.

05
You are used to chauffeuring around your friends.
NBC

You are used to chauffeuring around your friends.

06
Bodily functions do not faze you.
Disney

Bodily functions do not faze you.

07
Your significant other loves kids, too.
ABC Family

Your significant other loves kids, too.

08
You have all the essentials stashed in your bag at all times.
Disney

You have all the essentials stashed in your bag at all times.

09
You secretly (OK — not so secretly) love kid food.
NBC

You secretly (OK — not so secretly) love kid food.

10
You have your priorities straight.
E!

You have your priorities straight.

11
You find yourself speaking in "kid" more often than you'd like to admit.
ABC

You find yourself speaking in "kid" more often than you'd like to admit.

12
You instinctively protect the passenger side when you slam on the brakes.
NBC

You instinctively protect the passenger side when you slam on the brakes.

13
You don't put up with crocodile tears.
E!

You don't put up with crocodile tears.

14
You frequently embrace your inner child.
CBS

You frequently embrace your inner child.

15
Your definition of a party looks like this:
20th Century Studios

Your definition of a party looks like this:

16
Your idea of a perfect date night is already pretty tame.
BBC

Your idea of a perfect date night is already pretty tame.

17
You and your significant other are thinking of "trying."
CBS

You and your significant other are thinking of "trying."

18
This makes your heart melt times a million.
CBS

This makes your heart melt times a million.

19
CBS

Yay, babies!