Parents with more than one child what do you think is a good age gap between children?

Question

I have a 16 month old little boy and we have been trying for another baby for a few months now. I was recently over at a close friend of mines house who has a 6 month old daughter and a 21/2 year old nephew. I thought that I wanted my kids to be two years apart but seeing what could potentially be my situation I don't know if I feel comfortable or better yet ready for another one just yet. I would like to know what a good age gap between children is. I want them to be close ( relationship wise, I want them to play together and what not ) so what is the ideal age gap between children?

Answer 1

Most experts will tell you three years. The first 3 years in a child's life are very important to their future growth & maturity. Three years between children gives each child the chance to be the baby and get the nuturing that he/she deserves.

Answer 2

I have three boys that are 8, 6 and 2 years old. My older boys are close and like to do things together. Its hard doing something with the two of them and bringing the baby since he isn't quite old enough to do anything yet. There are other times where my 6 year old would rather sit and play with playdough with the baby.
I think a good age between two kids is between 2.5 and 6 years. Being close in age doesn't automatically mean they'll have a close relationship and in some cases, they end up closer in theyre father apart in age. Their age difference should be made to fit you and not a relationship they may or may nothave. Keeping them 2.5 -6 years apart will give you enough time to raise one to an approriate age where they aren't as needly of your attention and you can have some focus on a new baby. I'm not saying a three year old won't need you, but they'll be a little more independent. (out of diapers, not on a bottle, able to walk and express certain needs). The important thing is not to rush into having another child if you don't think youre ready. Good Luck

Answer 3

I have 4. Gaps range from 15 months to 3 years. I would never recommend anyone the 15 month it was very hard on the 15 month old, you also have to buy another crib etc. 2 years happens to be pretty good for me and the kids. The 3 years gap between my girls is a little to wide especially now One is 13 the other is 10, they have nothing in common and fight allot because my older dd does not want anything to do with little sis who she feels is like a baby still. Maybe it will get better for them when they are older.

The problems come with personality more than anything when it comes to kids getting along. So this should be based on what you will be comfortable with 2 kids in diapers etc.

Answer 4

I'd say 2-3 years maxium. The closer they are in age, the closer the relationship they have. My older brother is 20 and I'm 17 and we have an amazingly close relationship. Sure we fought when we were younger, but the closeness in age helps strengthen the relationship when we're older. We mmostly fought when he was 9-13 and I was 6-10. But when we were little we played together all the time.

My sister is five years younger than me and it's difficult to tolerate her and connect with her since we have such a gap in ages. She's always been an annoying aspect of my life, but I'm sure when we are older and she's 20 and I'm 25 it won't matter.

So basically I think 2-3 is the best. After that things get strained and they won't have as much in common.

Plus if you're having more two, think of the age gap between the eldest and the youngest. My sister and brother have 8 years between them.

Answer 5

My daughters are 17 months apart and are extreme close. I also have a 11 year gap between my middle and youngest child and they are extremely close. I really think it has to do more with the relationship and how they are brought up versus age. Most people go for 2-3 years apart.

Answer 6

I have no children yet, considering I'm 19 and in college. But I do babysit, and work at nurseries, and by what I see I'd like my children to be close enough to play too, so I understand that, but when you have children or see others with children so close and that both the children need alot of attention it gets confusing. I want my childrens age gap about 2 yrs, one family I babysit for has a 3 yrs old and a 1 yr old. While I do alot of caring and work, especially when they are sick, I also notice that she gets jealousof her brother alot, so it depends on the children how they get along, I still want mine about 2-2 1/2 yrs apart. Since most of my relatives have siblings around 2 yrs apart and get along like bestfriends. My bro and sister are 9 and 13 yrs older than me, I wish we were closer in ages.

Answer 7

Mine are almost 3 years exact. I think that's great especially when we brought the baby home. She was old enough to understand what was going on around her and she easily adapted to having a baby sister. She was at an age where she was very independant and also potty trained too. So I didn't have two in diapers! My youngest is now 9 months and is starting to play with her sister and her older sister is old enough to understand better on how to share and how to show her little sister how to do things!

I do wish you the best of luck and if you live in Canada and have the year off another advantage is only paying for one to be babysat or daycare at a time. You'll be able to spend the last year with your oldest before going to school.

Answer 8

I use to think 2 - 21/2 years was good until I had mind 2 years apart don't get me wrong I love my kids but it would have been easier if they was 3- 31/2 years apart. Hope this helped you

Answer 9

I'm almost 20, my sister is 18, and my brother is 16. Sure we have fought, and especially me and my brother. But we are really close, and I wouldn't have wanted them to be any further from my age. Plus, I can do things with my siblings, like for example.... I could take my sister to the club with me if I wanted to. If she were any younger I couldn't. I can actually relate to my siblings. I say 2 years apart is good, 2 years or less.

Answer 10

At least 2 years is a good gap,that way they are close enough in age to be able to play together.and the oldest could teach the other one how to talk.