OT-How soon did you have Baby #2?

[surfergirl602]

Hi,
mine were 2 girls 17 months apart, and it was great - first 6 months a bit tricky as eldest didn't walk till her sister was born!!!! Bought a double buggy and off we went... they are the best of friends now at 7 and 6, so don't think we went far wrong....

My sister had 2 girls also - LESS THAN 9 months apart - we joke she had a VERY private delivery room.... ouch..... her girls are great friends and great with each other too.. maybe it's genetic...

Tessa

How can they be less than nine months apart? Call me dense...

 

[HelenePA]

How can they be less than nine months apart? Call me dense...

the 2nd baby was a preemie Hopefully not too early

 

[kjetjl]

To the OP,
I read through many posts on the first few pages....not all.

I have 6 kids.

If both you and hubbby want another; go for it. There is and never will be the perfect number of kids or age difference between them.

My first two are 22 1/2 months apart. There are pros and cons. I wouldn't change it.

My 2nd and third are closer to 27 months apart. Again pros and cons. I wouldn't change it.

3rd and 4th are 15 1/2 months apart. Ditto.

4th and 5th are 3 1/2 years apart. Ditto.

5th and 6th are about 26 months apart. Ditto.

Emotionally and physically, I thought I might be done but now that my baby isn't a baby anymore (almost 3), I would love #7!!

I don't label them by numbers usually but it seemed the most efficient way to respond.

Good luck!

 

[tttessa]

How can they be less than nine months apart? Call me dense...

Hiya,
the second baby arrived at almost 36 weeks - a healthy 6lbs girl , no problems....

My sister also got pregnant VERY VERY VERY quickly after giving birth to baby no 1!!!! So much for the natural contraceptive powers of breast feeding.... mind you birth No1 had consisted of 4 contractions and she was out.... that bit is unfortunately not genetic, my labours were much longer...

Tessa

 

[Russian-in-Kansas]

My kids are 12 months apart. Love it! Would have them closer together if I could.

 

[dolfinjuls]

Double Post

 

[dolfinjuls]

Our girls are 2 years 5 months apart. I wanted my kids to be close together. I think it was a good choice for our family. Right now they are 3 1/2 and almost 1 and they play together already. They constantly want to be near each other...it is very cute!

The downside for me anyway, was that it was very demanding for the first couple months after dd#2 was born. Dd#1 was about 2 1/2 and still of course wanted to sit with mommy all the time and it was difficult! I was breastfeeding dd#2 and she was a very needy baby, so it was very draining!

But now it's chaotic, stressful and lots of fun with them!

 

[arielchica]

My children are 13 and a half months apart and now I wouldnt change it for anything. It has been hard but they are getting older now and everyday is easier. My dd is 3 years old and my ds is 21 months old.

 

[portia9]

#1 and #2-3 years 7 months
#2 and #3-22mo to the day (not planned, I like that three year gap
#3 and #4-2 years 6 months

I am now pg with #5 and there will be four years between my dd and this baby.

For me I prefer a bigger gap. 3 years is excellent as most 3yo understand they have to wait while you tend to baby and they can usually entertain themselves.

I had a friend that said that a lot of people have that 18mo-2y gap because you have this adorable baby and things by 9-12 mo have settled down so people decide "let's have another one" but by the time the next child arrives the older one is a toddler which is a very different kettle of fish lol.

Having said that I would encourage you to go with your heart

 

[kimsuenew]

We started trying when our "oops" (not planned but very much loved and cherished) DS turned two.

He is now 17, so 15 years , many attempts, numerous ovulation predictors, and fertility treatments (meds only) later... we still only have one. We would have loved 3 or 4, but definately at least two, so DS would have a sibling.

We realize what a blessing God bestowed upon us with our "oops", he is truly a miracle... sometimes you get what you need when you don't even realize you need it, and most certainly have not planned it!

 

[reelmom]

My two boys are 13 months apart.

 

[delmar411]

#1-#2 5.5yrs apart

#2-#3 12mths7days apart

#3-#4 16mths3wks apart

The past few years has been a challenge but nothing too overwhelming. I don't think I'd change anything if given the chance.

Right now the kids are 10,4,3,2...I've just got my 3yr old out of diapers and hopefully we'll be able to boast a diaper free household in the next couple months. I think things will get a ton easier then.

I'd space your babies however far apart you want. Unless there is a medical reason to wait and space farther, you can have healthy babies back to back.

 

[kajcwman]

Our kids are 21 months apart. My 3 siblings and I are all 1.5 to 2.5 years apart. DW and her sis were 4 years apart. They both say they wish they were closer together. (I don't know if my ILs would've wanted that.) SIL had her 2 boys 13 months apart. She said it was pretty tough for the first few months after #2 was born, but once they got a bit older it was easier having them so close.

 

[adell557]

Looking for some different perspectives: I had my sweet baby girl in January. Life with her is a pleasure and I am starting to feel pangs of wanting another baby. Hubby feels the same. I've always loved kids and LOVE being a Mom. I'm a SAHM and hubby works. When we have Baby #2, we're going to get part time help and I will continue to stay home. I just don't know how soon is too soon to have another? Or if their is such a thing as too soon.
How soon after baby #1 did you have #2? Do you wish you waited longer?

If you don't mind me asking? Part time help for what? Like a nanny or something?

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

If you don't mind me asking? Part time help for what? Like a nanny or something?

I'm betting like a housekeeper or maid or something along those lines..

 

[ERMama]

Glad I wasnt the only one thinking that adell (angela). Why would you need help for 2 kids? Now I understand those with multiples that its hard to get out, etc. But I always say, if you feel that you cant do anything, go to a store, run an errand, etc, with 2 perfectly "normal" kids (vs. special needs), then maybe you should really be reconsidering if having another child at that time is really right for you. If you want to pay someone to help raise your kids, fine. (im not anti childcare, ive BTDT). OR if you EXPECT family to chip in and help because YOU decided to have another child, I think thats a bit crazy.
I mean, I have friends who LOVE having 4 kids close in age but need a babysitter to go to the grocery store. No thanks. Not for me.
The occassional babysitter for nights out is fine. A housekeeper, GREAT.

My first 2 are 4 yrs apart. Not by choice but it worked out for us.
2.5 yrs between the other 2. So far it working fine.

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

DD is 8. DS is 4. So for us 4 years apart was perfect. When DD was 3 1/2, hubby and I decided it was time to start trying. It took almost 2 years to get pregnant with DD. I did not want children 6 years apart. DH told me not to worry we would get pregnant in one night and it would be a boy. I never laughed so hard. But guess what happened!

Who knew? DS has the easiest going personality. Go figure.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

If you don't mind me asking? Part time help for what? Like a nanny or something?

LOL, I meant a part time nanny. DD will probably be in activities and I would like to be involved in those with her. I figured it may be difficult with an infant so, a part time nanny could watch the new infant while I was with DD.

 

[VeroBeachGirl]

Glad I wasnt the only one thinking that adell (angela). Why would you need help for 2 kids? Now I understand those with multiples that its hard to get out, etc. But I always say, if you feel that you cant do anything, go to a store, run an errand, etc, with 2 perfectly "normal" kids (vs. special needs), then maybe you should really be reconsidering if having another child at that time is really right for you. If you want to pay someone to help raise your kids, fine. (im not anti childcare, ive BTDT). OR if you EXPECT family to chip in and help because YOU decided to have another child, I think thats a bit crazy. QUOTE]

I don't need help, it's a luxury that we are able to afford. I'm sorry if you don't understand me wanting to give each child some one on one time on a regular basis.

 

[delmar411]

I don't need help, it's a luxury that we are able to afford. I'm sorry if you don't understand me wanting to give each child some one on one time on a regular basis.

I think this is awesome if you can afford it.

The inability to take just one of my children to age specific classes is something that I do get upset about it (obviously we made our choices but still). My 4yr old needs some one on one mom time that things like Gymboree would provide but I don't have anyone else to pass the 3yr old and 2yr old off to. Same for all the kids actually. While they do make 'family' classes those don't really work for 3 children. They prefer you have an arm for each child. LOL