Your baby may only be six months old, but perhaps you’ve started thinking about adding another member to your family. You may come from a big family and want to have your children close together, or perhaps you are yearning for the newborn days all over again. Or maybe you’re the opposite – you want more children, but can’t face the idea of going through it all again right now.
The ideal age gap between first and second-born children is a common question. Last year, British socialite, Peaches Geldof, made headlines around the world when she announced her second baby would be born just 12 months after her first. How soon is too soon for a second baby? There are a number of things to consider which I explore in my latest article on Essential Kids.
What is the age gap between your children? Do you, or did you, want to have your children close together? How is it working out? I’d love to hear your experiences. Please leave a comment below.
Thanks for the latest slippery dip…but we are happy to now have no break between kids at all. Our two little bubs are enough – very happy!
On another note, your writing is wonderful. Seriously ace xx
Andy Mullins Sand Hill Road Director
Thanks Andy! I’ve been contemplating an article about “how to know when you’re done” or “are you snip ready?”! It seems most people just “know”…
You’re two girls are very lucky, to have each other, and to have you as parents x
Our first born was 8 months old when we fell pregnant with our second. Due to our second being premature, they are only 16 months apart. It had been really hard having two so close together. I was told it is harder on the parents having them close, but better for the kids long-term. I can agree with that. They are already the best of friends (most of the time) but we are exhausted lol. No more for us.
16 months apart is close! Mine are 17 months apart and I agree that it’s harder for the parents in the short term. I grew up in a family of five and we were all spaced about 2 years apart. I wanted to have my children close together, but that said, I reckon a longer pause between 2 and 3 wouldn’t have hurt. 🙂
I’m a Christian, so in everything that I do, I have help from above. Even though my mum lives in Russia, and my mother in law lives in Sussex, ( we moved to Suffolk about year & a half ago), I don’t have anyone from family locally to help. To be absolutely honest, it is hard work. Nothing is easy about 5 children. The first three are two years apart, the last two 13 months apart. God did have a sense of humor with me – I did not know that I’m pregnant with the 5th one until 21 weeks,4 days scan. I was lying on the sand in Spain, relaxing when I felt the baby move. The soon as we were back home, I went to see the doctor. I laughed so much – how can anyone be so oblivious on their 5th pregnancy?!!! In my foolishness I would have said ‘no’ to baby #5, but he is the sweetest of all. I’ve just written a blog entry about how life is for me, we have not been on a date with my husband in 9 months, but I would not change anything about my children. They are the most precious gift anyone could possibly give me. God did give it to us. They all are beautiful & precious. I’m so blessed!
What a story! Wow – I can’t believe you didn’t know you were pregnant until you felt the baby move. That’s unbelievable. Your 5th baby was definitely ‘meant to be’. How wonderful. I am a great believer in 5! I was the 4th of 5 and had a wonderful (albeit noisy) upbringing. You sound like you are a fabulous mum, with your hands full. Congratulations on your blessings 🙂
Thank you!