Anyone else with babies close together in age ?

Question

I have a 4 yr old, a 4 mo. month old and found out today that I am almost 6 wks pregnant. I am excited but nervous. My husband and I were not planning on any more children. I really wanted to enjoy my baby and have been blessed to get to stay at home with him. The new baby will only be about a yr apart from my youngest now. Anyone else have kids this close together? If so, what are the good points? I really need some encouragement and want to hear some positive experiences. I actually found that the 4 yr age gap between my 2 boys now is not beneficial at all. They can't play together, share clothes or toys and the 4 yr old competes for attention alot. PLEASE HELP ME !!! Give me some hope so I am not dreading this ! LOL

Thanks so much to all of you guys for giving me some good stories!!!!! You have no idea how much it helps !

Answer 1

hey, i have a 22 month old and a 7 month old both girls, and honestly at first i was terrified like you are but it is not that hard just alot of diapers lol. the first week will be difficult to adjust , but was you get a routine down it will become alot easier i promise, and the 4 year old will be alot older by the time the third one arrives, so he 'll will be able to "entertain" himself for awhile during the day. Its not THAT bad, really, atleast you are getting over with now while they are still young. you'll be fine, everything will work itself out, good luck, and dont worry so much, take one day at a time

Answer 2

My daughter is 13 months old and I am 4 months pregnant. Both pregnancies were suprises, and with this one, at first I was freaked out - my first reaction was to cry. I'd been planning to let my daughter be an only child until she was 3 or 4 before trying. Anyways, I got over that real quick and am thrilled.

My husband and his sister are 18 months apart - in fact most siblings in his (large) family are less than 2 years apart.

What I consider the "bright side" are these things:

They are closer - they can play and entertain each other and are closer to the same "level" of interest in toys, shows, learning etc. My niece and nephew watch the same shows, they share the same toys (and these toys are appropriate for both being that they are 19 months apart).

They can both enjoy things at the same time. For instance, we want to take our daughter to Disneyland when she's four or five. Had we waited, we would have had a newborn then, and that child would have missed the wonderful memory... this way they can share and enjoy the vacation together. Also, had we had a newborn then, we wouldn't have been able to play as much with our daughter - someone would always have to wait with the baby while the other and our daughter did the rides etc.

They'll be in the same school most of their lives - without such a big gap, only a few years will they be in different schools, most of the time it'll be a one stop pickup and dropoff.

Answer 3

mine are a year and 2 weeks. THe nice thing about the year, is that you have the clothes and sizes pretty right for the seasons. Also get the older one sleepin great before the new one comes.

Mine are now 2 & 3, and its much easier taking care of both then just one as they keep eachother entertained so well. And when both eat the same stuff.

Good luck. Also make sure you have some family in town to help out that first couple months if possible.

Answer 4

My babies are 13mos apart. I felt just how you are feeling. I felt like I was making my first child grow up way too fast. Well it isn't like that at all. My first child adores ger sibling and takes care of him. They play so well and love each other already. I was so amazed at the love they could have for each other at such a young age. Mine wear the same size diapers which make that a whole lot easier and cheaper. We don't get to share clothes because they are different sexes but I get to buy cute stuff for a boy and a girl now. You get used to having them so close together and it only gets easier as time goes by. I have asked many people that have older kidd that are so close in age and they say that it is great and easier now that they are older.If I can do it, you can do it. Just think positive!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 5

I have a 2yo boy and a 3 yo girl (1 yr and 2wks apart). You will be tired but just concentrate on raising and enjoying your children. The housework can always wait. Play games with them and really make it all fun. Involve the older ones in everything you do with the baby. Give each one special mummy and me time. And ask for help when you need it. Dont try to do it all by yourself. Oh yeah and get a double pram that is long not wide, easier to drive in small ailses, with space underneath for bags. Good luck

Answer 6

My sister and I are 18 months apart, and growing up with her was so great! She was my best friend, I always had someone to play with, share clothes with, and go out with once we were older. My experience is why I decided to have children so close together (I'm pregnant with #2-I wanted them to be 12-18 months apart, but they'll be 2 years exactly).

You two youngest children will end up being best friends! Plus, think about how much easier things like vacations and family outings will be-Your children will have each other so that you and your husband can enjoy yourselves. It will make life so much easier!!

Answer 7

first congratz second dont worry i had 8 kids all with in the time of me at 19 yrs of age till i was 32 yrs of age my oldest is 16 and youngest is soon to be for som of them are only 7 mlnths apart and they are just fine its hard but u will get thtrough it also try to dedicate at least one day a week for u and the oldest alone so they feel special remember they feel they are pushed aside cuz of all the attention the new babies are getting so make them feel special even if it is only one day a week and explain to them why the babys need so much attention try getting the 4 yr old to help with diapers and making bottes it will get them closer to the younger kids and they will form a nice bond..

Answer 8

We'll congrats! I have a 8 mth old daughter and I am currently 3 mths pregnant. I also wasnt planning this and I am extremely scared and nervous that my daughter will feel unloved when the new baby gets here. She is too young to understand that there is a baby in mommys tummy. All I can tell you is to love each the same. Its gonna be hard but you can do it!

Answer 9

I don't have babies close together in age, but my brother and i are one year & 1 month apart. We are so close even to this day and we really have each other's back-so to speak.. He always protected me and was always there for me.. I think you should be happy to be so blessed :) my mom said it was hard, but it was the best thing she ever did. ( to have us close together)
and my cousin is 7 years older than her brother now, they have nothing in common, and he's still in middle school while she's in college. He's kind of girly and shy because she's so much older he tries to look up to her, and it just doesn't work for them.. I think since you ARE having a baby again now, make the most of it :) they will grow up best buddies

Answer 10

I also have a 22 month previous and a 6 month previous. I have been given pregnant with my daughter while my son replaced into 8 months previous. the large element approximately it somewhat is my son like to play along with his sister, he shares his toys, and he's often giving her kisses. it is so large. yet another element is that as quickly as they advance up they are going to be concerning the comparable age and that they'll pass to college jointly and doubtless have the comparable pals. i think of having them close jointly is large. Now i'm no longer gonna deceive u yet there are momments have been my son only doesnt choose for to proportion and on occasion he hits her, yet no longer problematic. while he does that i only take a seat him interior the corner after which i tell him to declare that he sorry to sister and giver her a kiss, and he does. My son continually makes my daughter snigger. enable them to assist u do stuff for the toddler, like feeding, or taking the diaper to the trash, u comprehend stuff like that. My son continually needed my interest, yet then i had him help me with the toddler and now i many times dont have a concern, he thinks its a activity. i desire i'd desire to help u out slightly