

If you're in your 20s, you're probably familiar with the feeling of being bombarded by engagement and baby announcements every time you log into Facebook. Not matching pace in the rat race to couple up, settle down, and start a family? That's okay—a new study suggests it might be wise to sit tight and wait a bit before having kids.
Researchers at the London School of Economics analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study, which monitors the development of 18,000 British children for an extended period of time, in order to determine the effect of a mother's age on the growth and development of her child. The golden years? Your 30s.
The study published in the journal of Biodemography and Social Biology determined that babies born to women in their thirties are more likely to be intelligent, score higher in cognitive testing and outperform those born to women in their twenties or forties.
Additionally, "First-time mothers in their 30s are, for example, likely to be more educated, have higher incomes, are more likely to be in stable relationships, have healthier lifestyles, seek prenatal care earlier and have planned their pregnancies," researcher Alice Goisis told The Times.
And while women who give birth in their forties tend to breastfeed and read to their children more, and smoke less, this age bracket is the most likely to have obese children—as women of this age were found to be less likely than younger mothers to play with their kids.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

I am an experienced editor, writer, and creative strategist, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for digital media outlets, as well as video and social platforms. While I currently operate as a freelance contributor/consultant, with such clients as The Zoe Report, my 10+-year background in the industry was cultivated at the dot-coms of elite publications, including Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, and Marie Claire.
-
Gwyneth Paltrow and Dakota Johnson Pose in a Sweet Photo Holding Hands
Paltrow and Johnson are the ex-wife and longtime girlfriend, respectively, of Coldplay's Chris Martin.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Sebastian Stan Cast as Young Donald Trump in Upcoming Biopic 'The Apprentice'
It'll follow Trump in the '70s and '80s in New York.
By Fleurine Tideman
-
Jada Pinkett Smith Says She and Will Smith Are "Staying Together Forever" Despite 2016 Separation
They're happier together.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
They're Single. They're Straight. They're Friends. And They're Having a Baby.
You want a child. You don’t want to do it alone. What do you do? For an increasing number of women, the answer is raising a kid with their BFF.
By Sarah Treleaven
-
Why I Support the Choice to Be Pregnant and a Prostitute
A currently-pregnant former sex worker stands up for a currently-pregnant current sex worker.
By Melissa Petro
-
What's the Best Age to Have a Baby?
Whether your clock started ticking early or you're feeling a time crunch at 40, deciding when to have a baby is never simple.
By Elise Nersesian-Sol
-
I Tackled a Powerful Family Legacy
Four generations of mothers in my family had given up their daughters, leaving me to wonder if motherhood was simply not in my DNA.
By Rebecca Carroll
-
8 Scary Things About Being Older and Single
As I continue my long journey of singleness, I'm encouraged by the legions of other singles who glorify their independence.
By Rich Santos
-
To Breed or Not to Breed?
Many women never feel a desire to have kids, ever.
By Abigail Pesta
-
Would You Sacrifice Sex to Get Pregnant?
The purpose-driven sex life. Cara Birnbaum discovers the real cost of IVF.
By Cara Birnbaum