babies close together/ older moms?

Question

what is having several children close together (ex. 2 years apart) like when they are babies - and what is it like when they are older?
are you happy you had them close together?

Answer 1

I had three kids [each two years apart ]. It was good when they were growing up together as they were great playmates for each other and also the fact that there is only two years between each of them meant I hadn't really got out of "baby mode" mentality before having the next one.

I think I might have found it more difficult if there had been a bigger age gap.
They are all grown up now.

Answer 2

My kids are 22 months apart.

I am glad they are close together in age... they play together better than I have observed from siblings farther apart in age.

It was mostly hard when baby #2 was first born and wasn't sleeping through the night. You can't nap with the baby like you did the first time around, because now you have a little 2 year old running around that needs your supervision. Also, it seems they always need something right when you just got comfortable and started to nurse. Not to mention trying to potty train the older one around that time too.

I also think it cut down on the jealousy factor, because the older one wasn't old enough to know the difference yet, and by the time he WAS old enough, he had already forgotten what it was like before his sister.

My mom always tells me I had them too close because Baby #1 didn't get the chance to be a baby long enough... but I believe the same would be true of baby #2 ANY time you have it, because there is already a sibling there.

Plus... my oldest just started school this year, and my youngest starts next year... It will be nice to get them both off to school so close because it will allow my husband to get a new job that is during school, so we can finally be a family again in the evenings!

Answer 3

I didn't myself, I have one, but many in my family and on my husband's side, too, have had three to five children 18 months to two years apart. They all loved it! Got the work over all at once, even though it was a lot to do. It's always best if the older one is out of diapers by the time the baby comes.
And grown up, it's amazing to see the relationship these teens and adults have - they're WAY more like close friends than just siblings - and the gender doesn't seem to matter at all. I am literally talking about six families here, at least.

Answer 4

I got pregnant with my last baby, when her sister was only 11 months old. There was 21 months between them.

It was hard when they were babies becaue I had to force my 21 month old to be potty trained before the baby come because I couldn't afford to kids in diapers at the same time.

I also feel guilty because it took some of the time and attention away from the 21th old before it should have been. To this day she and my youngest child have a terrible sibling rivalry and she has always resented her despite my best efforts.

Now that they are older it is also hard. For instance this year my middle child is graduating, having her big senior prom etc.., My youngest is getting her driver's license, getting a car and wanting an expensive sweet 16 party. I have no idea where I am going to get the money for all of this.

The good news is that in a few more years, I will have my life back!

Answer 5

I have 3 close together, then a long gap between the 3rd and 4th.
The advantage of having them close is that you can treat them similarly, at least for a while.
You can take them to the same places -- a playground, children's museum, a kids' movie, for example -- and they can all enjoy it.
You can serve similar meals, and have the same bedtime for
all of them. Their responsibilities and chores can also be similar.
When there is a bigger gap, you run into the issue of them NOT liking the same restaurants, and one of the will NOT want to see a certain movie (but too young to be left alone).

I don't think it's necessarily more work when they are close together, either. They still need you just as much when they are older, just in different ways.

My youngest misses having a sibling of a closer age.

There's no single right way to do this -- you just have to do what works best for you.

Answer 6

My friend has 3 kids ages 14-3-1 she says its stressful with the youngest two so close together espeically with the 3 yr olds attitude. But over all she's happy her oldest ends up watching the younger 2 alot and doesnt like it much(my friend is 35)

My children are 13 yrs 1 month 15 days apart and Im 36 and wouldnt have it any other way. NO my oldest does not take care of my youngest she cant shes profoundly handicapped so I basically have to "infant" children one will never grow up the other one is a wild man..lol and I love them both

Answer 7

Well I have 15 year old twins and I also have a 7 month old and I am due again March 25- which means the newest 2 will be 14 months apart...........
My twins were boy/girl and they were great friends when they were little. NOw that they are older they have their own sets of interests and friends but they still get along and have a cose bond.
I am hoping that my newest 2 have the same kind of relationship. We are having the 4th one specifically so that they will be close and have a close to the same age sibling. I don't want her to be alone- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Answer 8

My son is 2 (3 on Sept 30th), my daughter is 14 months and my newborn son is almost 1 month. Stressful? Yes, but not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. My two older children are wonderful. They play together and help each other out. They are "perfect" siblings. With the new baby, they are curious and loving. Its wonderful. I can't wait until they are all a little older and can all interact together. They weren't planned to be this close together, but I'm loving every minute of it. Besides, they'll all be 18 and out of the house within 3 years of each other. lol I'm just kidding.... kind of.

Answer 9

My kids are almost 4 years apart. It has worked out great waiting that long in between them. I didn't have two in diapers. My son was potty trained by the time my daughter was born. We get a break in between buying first cars, college, etc. We are thinking of a third child, but are having it closer to our last so we won't be so old when they are in high school. Best advice I have is hang on to all your baby gear and pass it down to the next child no matter if it's 2 or 4 years later, it will save you money!

Answer 10

I have 4 kids..6,5,3,1. We have SOOOO much fun. The 1st two are 13mo apart and are more like friends atm. Im sure when they get older the whole sharing clothes issue will appear lol. There has been sibling rivalry with the young kids...fighting over attention and such, but going on daddy/daugghter and mommy/daughter dates has helped. I love having them so close...and just think..by the time they are all out of highschool, I'll be young enough still to do all the fun stuff I want to do lol