It is a commonly held belief among sociologists that the ‘Western’ world is developing towards increased individualization. According to this individualization thesis, processes of individualization are linked to the development of a risk society and have profound effects on family life. Drawing on 20 in-depth interviews, this article explores the transition to parenthood among couples that are presumably at the front of individualization processes. The aim is to show that risk was a central theme in relation to parenting in two ways that are both linked to individual autonomy and the couple relationship. Firstly, the decision to have a baby was considered a risk project. It was minutely planned, not least to avoid the risk of divorce or separation. Secondly, the changes in everyday life that took place with the birth of the child represented new kinds of risk, associated with lack of time and a changing economy of care.