Answer the type question first
Almost every other decision follows from the policy type. Term covers a set number of years; permanent cover lasts your lifetime and builds a cash value, which is what makes it cost several times more.
Get this wrong and you either pay for lifetime cover you do not need, or you buy a term that expires before the need does.
Then size the policy
Coverage sizing is arithmetic. Add the debts that would survive you, add the income your household would lose, subtract what savings and existing cover handle. The remainder is the gap.
Childcare is the component people most often leave out, and for households with young children it is frequently the largest one.
Then check underwriting
Premiums are priced on age and health at application. The rate class decided at underwriting is locked for the term, which is the practical argument for applying while you are younger.