Hi everyone, for those of you with 2 children, what do you think the ideal gap is between the birth of baby 1 and the birth of baby 2?

In my case, 22 months as that's the difference between DS and DD

I would think pretty close together or about 2-3 years between them.

3 years exactly! Well, that will be what mines will be so I don't want to hear any horror stories about that!!

<<fingers in ears, singing>>

the favourite gap I have with mine is actually 14 months! So I'd say 18-30 months.

Don't know if it's ideal - 25 months. Quite knackering but felt right for me ( 25 mos between me and little brother.) I am in awe of those who do it with less. Just getting over the exhaustion of the first 9 months!! Good luck with whatever you decide.

tough one between mine there is nearly 3 years and they either love or hate each other, but in the newborn stage i didn't have any jealousy and bonus of older dc being potty trained.
Have same gap again with dc no.3 and dc1 is lovely with her really helpful and the same sort of thing as above with dc2 and dc3.
Not sure how close they will be though with 6 years between 1 and 3 but it's very easy when i have just them two!

I'd say under 2 or over 3.5/4

In between, the first one will be a handful.

When small gap, it's fantastic as they grow and play together and entertain each other.

When bigger gap, DC1 is more mature and independent so you may enjoy more freedom to bond with your new baby.

The best gap ? 8 years, of course. No jealousy issues, no struggling with two babies, not being kept awake by two kids every night.. the benefits are great! In fact, I can't think of one negative! But then, that's just my opinion

have your first one

then

dont bother

for

ever

LOL at custy!

I have 11.5 months between my two. Don't be as stupid as me...

There is just 17 months between my two, and we planned it that way deliberately in order to get all the "baby" stuff done and dusted in one go.

My mother in law was her typical blunt self when I told her I was pregnant:-

DS1: "Oh huh, I thought you might be".

DS2: "What? It's far too soon. You should leave it at least six years. You can't possibly afford another baby. You won't love the first one as much when the second one arrives"......etc, etc......

So as you can see, everyone has differing opinions on the age gap. At the end of the day I guess it all depends on the personal circumstances and preferences of the parents.

But there is no way that I would have wanted a second if I'd waited six years!!

Message withdrawn

I recommend ten years. That's the gap I've got (same daddy too). DD1 will be a ready made babysitter in a couple of years ...

ah puppy monkey - tis bliss.
I do have another babe in the middle but DS1 is 14 and babysits for DD now.... heaven !
Walks her to school once a week as well...double heaven