When to have baby #2...?

Question

My husband and I have a six month old baby boy. We know we definitely would like more children. It took us seven months to conceive our son. When do you think we should start trying to have a second baby? We have to consider time for conception. And we also have to think about if we want our children close in age or further apart. It is nice for the children to be close in age because they can play together, grow up close, etc. But if we wait a couple of years it is easier for the parents and then one could have the older one to look up to. What is your opinion???

Answer 1

Science says that your body is at its best for the next baby when the first is between 1-2. By chance (accident is more like it) we conceived our second child when our first was 18 months old and conceived our third when our second was 18 months old. Our third is due in July, but the age difference is really nice with our first two. They aren't doing things on top of each other (my sister and I were exactly one year apart and we were always feeling like we were doing things at the same time) but they aren't so far apart they have nothing in common (our younger sister was five years younger than me as was always too little for EVERYTHING). I like the arrangement. The boys are almost 2.5 years apart and they play but each has their own stuff and own accomplishements too.

Answer 2

This is something only you and your husband can decide. There are pros and cons to having children close together and a few years apart. If they are close in age, then they do have built-in playmates and would likely be close. If you wait a couple of years then you would only have one child in diapers (hopefully) which would be less expensive and easier on Mom and there would likely be that sense of "looking up to" an older sibling. However, there could also be issues of jealously and regression depending on the personality of the older child if you waited a few years. Some children don't take kindly to sharing Mom and Dad, others it doesn't bother in the least.

Make out a list of all the pros and cons you can think of for each option and talk about it with your husband. Also speak with your OB/GYN regarding when is the best time to start trying for baby #2, you should probably wait until your body has snapped back as having children too close together is taxing on your body.

Answer 3

Remember though they say women who have been pregnant before will get pregnant faster, something about the cervix being softer. My son is 20 months and I am 21 weeks. My son will be 2 in July and I am due with my baby girl also in July. So they will be two years apart. I think this is a good space. Also remember that it takes a year for your body to fully heal. Maybe wait 6 more months and then start trying.

But it is a personal choice though too. Totally up to you. :) Good Luck!

Answer 4

It comes down to what is best for the two of you. It is sometimes hard to plan for a pregnancy. My aunt had to do the invitro to get pregnant with her first child. They didn't plan on having any more then the 2nd one came as a surprise. No medication was needed to conceive her 2nd child. I have heard friends say that it is harder when they are closer in age but those who had them years apart wish they were closer in age. Set yourself a time frame, make it realistic. Give your self time and space to be able to conceive. Usually from 2-8 months to conceive than the 38-42 weeks of the pregnancy. Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

I would say whenever you feel like you and your husband are ready to tie down with another and also when your son is old enough to understand that there is going to be another child around. Stats show that most couple have their second child about 3 years after their first.

Answer 6

I think I would start trying now, that way they will be close in age and be more close to each other. My two are 24 & 26, they see each other regularly, talk on email, do all sorts of things together still. I'm so happy they have each other.

Answer 7

well i would start now, my opinion. however once you have a child you are usually more fertile. my kids are 14 months apart to the day and i love it. they get a long so well and i havent found it that hard. some days can be though like when they are both sick.