How big is the age gap between your children? Thinking about having our second child and would like to hear experiences with close age gaps and also larger age gaps! Thank you :)
How big is the age gap between your children? Thinking about having our second child and would like to hear experiences with close age gaps and also larger age gaps! Thank you :)
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12 Replies
I have 3 years between my first 2 and 21 months between my youngest 2. If I have to be honest having that 3 year gap was good, my daughter had grown up a fair bit and could understand more. Between my boys with the 21 months I found my eldests behaviour difficult because having to correct it while feeding bub was a major chore. My kids are all close and happy so I don't think age has anything to do with it but more so their personalities and whether or not they clash. The other things to consider is having two in nappies (older ones can sometimes be harder to be toilet trained), time, sleep, and cleaning load. It depends really on your child and how much your hubby is able to help out. I have to admit though one thing that is good is by the time my youngest is ready to toilet train I might actually already remember what to do haha. Also having the clothes means less expense as they didn't take up much room for that long in between bubs. There is positives and negatives to each gap you have
There is no perfect gap but for me it would be about 3.5-4y's given the choice. I have a 3y3m gap between my first two and between my 2nd and 3rd is 6y5m. There is 9y8m between #1 and #3.
My older two are best friends and get on really well with very minimal fighting and squabbling. They have welcomed #3 into their play without fuss as well.
Reposted on the facebook wall too and hope it helps! x
I have 10.5 months between my first and second and have just had my third with a 6 year gap
My girls are 11 and 4months quite a big gap, but I love it and my eldest is a great help and just adores her sister :)
I have three. First two (same gender) were only 15 months apart. It was very hard when they were babies/toddlers, because my youngest was the world's worst sleeper. If she'd slept better, my situation might have been different. But once they were both over 2, I found it much easier. They've always been in the same swimming class, dancing class. Nearly the same size clothes. So the small age gap has proven to be a bonus in other ways. My third has a 7 year gap between him and my oldest daughter and a 6 year gap between him and my youngest daughter. It also has advantages and disadvantes. I think easier when they're babies. 'Cause the older one/s actually are a great help - handing you nappies and wipes. An extra set of eyes when you have a shower etc. But a disadvantage is he has no one around to play with when the girls are at school etc. I think a good age gap would be 2 -3 years ish. Old enough not to have two in nappies and the toddler is that little bit older to not be so dependent on you, but yet they still get to grow up together and play. But every age gap has advantages and disadvantages! YOu just make anything work, haha.
There is 14 years between my daughter and my son and it works me as my daughter is extremely helpful and often is available for babysitting. I do not however take advantage of her as she has her own life and is not a replacement mother.
Growing up however there was 3 years between my older sister and I and 18 months between my younger sister and I and they made for great companion especially during school holidays.
I have 20 months between my 2 girls, then my son came along when our youngest was 4. The shorter age gap was a lot easier as I had 2 small children not too far apart. My girls are now 5 and 6 and I find it hard juggling between my girls needs and the needs of my 4 month old boy. The plus side is the girls love helping out with their baby brother and other household chores. Whatever you decide, you'll find a way to make it work.
hi there, we have two years two weeks between our boys, mind you they are only 3 and 1 so it's still early days, some days they play like best friends some days they fight, just like everyone else
My kids are only 18 months apart & get along like normal brother & sister do. They play together & they fight with each other. They're both around the toddler age which means they're into the same things & can bond over mutual things like kids toys, abc, etc. On the other hand, my sister is 13 & I am 22 & we are so close anyone would think we are the same age. She is quite matured for her age so we do the norm girl stuff together..sleepovers, cooking, pampering, watching tv series, singing etc. So in experiencing siblings close in age with my two, but also experiencing siblings far in age with my own sibling, I would say age doesn't matter. Siblings are siblings and it's the same no matter what the age. My sister and I still fought growing up together & even still bitch now despite our age gap. At the end of the day they're siblings and being siblings means there's a bond there that is there no matter the age gap or sex.
I have 3 yrs between my 3 and it's worked really well. It comes down to your family and support. I couldn't mentally or financially had them closer. Good luck
Just by chance, my two daughters are one day shy of exactly five years apart. It works well. My girls are now 9 & 4 - sure they can fight like dogs and cats but the eldest is very protective and teaches her so much. I wouldn't change it. :)