How long should I wait to have another baby?

Question

My son is 6 months old..What would be a good age before I have another baby..maybe 2 or 3 years? Anyone have any suggestions? or should I wait til he's 5? I'm 25 and my husband is 31...so..Thanks!

Answer 1

Having babies at least 2-3 years apart if what is best for *you* physically. It gives your body a chance to "recover" from the first pregnancy. It also means you can continue to nurse him as long as he needs it (the minimum recommended is 2 years).

But the very best time is whenever *you* want. There is no one best, only best for a particular family...

Answer 2

I found 3 years the best spacing. The 3 year old is more independent and in that "I want to do it myself" stage. That can really take some of the extra work load off of you and it's the perfect age to make him your little helper. At 3 he will have such pride when he can help get the baby wipes for you or bring you a diaper, even if he can help feed. It will keep him involved with baby and give him the much needed attention and self confidence he requires for 3 years old.

I also find that my sons that are 3 years apart fight less than the ones that are 2 or even 1 1/2 years apart. They were very close, right from when baby arrived and still are (12 and 9 years old). They have separate friends now and still enjoy spending time together.

I have 2 sons that are 5 years apart as well (I know, I know, we have a very busy house!) They are 2 and 7 right now and 2 year old idolizes the 7 year old. They play together some but it's a big space and the 2 year old gets very frustrated that he can't do the same things as the 7 year old (go out and ride his bike, play hockey on the street with other kids etc.)

So, from personal experience I find that 3 years has worked out the best for everyone involved. (oh and I just had my last baby at 35 so age shouldn't be a factor for you)

Answer 3

I'd wait at least two years - only because I have two friends who have babies 17 months and 15 months apart and they're miserable. (Not to mention your body really doesn't have time to recover in that short a time.)

But think about this - you don't want to have to be changing diapers on two kids at once, do you?

On the flip side - too much of an age difference, the older one mightl resent the little one because he was an only for so long, and the little one might feel like an only because of the gap.

IMO - 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years is a good age difference.

Answer 4

I think spacing them three to four years is perfect.

The older child is no longer wearing diapers, s/he doesn't want to be "the baby" anymore, the older child is fairly independant so you don't need to help them with everything anymore and they are old enough to want to be mommy's helper rather than compete with the new addition for mom's attention.

My kids are each 3 years 7 months apart and I have to say, I have no complaints. Even now at nearly 9, 5 and 18 months, they play together beautifully and help one another do things all the time. I think that eliminating the competition for being the baby, right from the start, really ensured that they wouldn't have jealousy issues as they grow older.

Answer 5

I wanted to start trying again the day after my son was born! My husband and I were both in the military at that time. I got out four months later while he was in Iraq. I convinced my command to give me an honorable discharge so I could stay at home with my baby. I'm 13 weeks pregnant now. We got pregnant when my son turned 10 months. I'm glad we waited a little longer than I wanted to because he's more independent now. Honestly, it's up to you. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 6

I think two years is the ideal spacing of children. That way they each get their own special time with parents and the children are close enough to be friends(we hope!), having similar interests. I have 4 children spaced over 10 years. My boys that are 23 mos apart are best friends. I think 5 yrs is too far apart. Don't worry about your age. My daughter didn't start her family until she was 36, putting off family for a career. Good luck and happy family!

Answer 7

Personally I had my kids 19 months apart. They are now 5 and 3. It was so hard when they were younger because they both needed my attention. I was overly tired. And sense I couldn't spend that individual time with my oldest he had some learning delays. He is doing a lot better now because his teacher caught and had him sent to a therapist. I have now decided to what until the youngest is in preschool to have another. My mom had me and my siblings 5 years apart but we are still really close. The age gap isn't going to matter as long as they spend time together.

Answer 8

Your body really needs 2 years to completely heal. 2 years AFTER the baby is born. And I know from having mine 18 months apart that it would have been better if I had waited. My body is healing much much slower this time. And though I love my children with all my heart, I truly wish I had waited and had them a little farther apart. It's hard having 2 in diapers. If I were you, I would wait a little while.

Answer 9

It just depends on you. I had my first child when I was eighteen and my fourth when I was 23. It was hard when they were little but I personally wanted my children to be close in age. I have three siblings that are 8, 11 and 12 years older than me and although they are very close to each other I have never been as close to them because we didn't really grow up together. By the time I was 10 they were all gone and living in different states and it was like I was an only child. I didn't want that for any of my children so that's why we had them so close together. And like I said it was hard but a lot of fun when they were little and now that they are older (10, 12, 14 and 15) they are really close and are always together. They have also made comments to me that they are glad they are so close in age because they have friends who have siblings that are a lot older or a lot younger and they are not as close to each other as my children are. It's like my kids are friends as well as siblings. So, like I said, it depends on you and what you want for your family. This is just what works for mine.

Answer 10

At least 3 years in my opinion. One of my sisters had kids about 2 years apart and she said it was hell.

I'm pregnant right now with kid no.2. Theres gonna be nearly a 5 year gap between them. I'm hoping its an ok age difference. When i was growing up, the sister i played with the most is 5 years younger than me.

Answer 11

I think whenever you want to start trying again, and are financially able, is a perfect amount of time.

My husband and I are waiting until our son is a year old to start trying again. It took us 1.5yrs to get pregnant the first time, but we didnt' want to start trying right away. If you want your kids to be 15mo apart, then try now. If you want them to be 2yrs apart, wait a little longer.

Personally, I dont care when I get pregnant again, because I know it's my job to care for the baby, not the 4yr olds. I got the diapers, wipes and clothes for Ethan, and I can for the next baby too.