Children with a small age gap

[breakthenews]

Recently found out I'm pregnant. Not keen on another DC, never was. But would've considered it in 4 years or so for DH.

DC1 is just over 1.

Anyone have a good experience of a similar age gap?

Not sure if to terminate or not. Currently thinking to just get rid asap.

Hoping someone can help me come to my own decision

13 months between my first two. It didn't seem hard having two 'babies' to look after at the time but since having another 2 with bigger age gaps I realise a bigger age gap is much easier.
They are so close. They like the same things, have the same friends, days out are easier etc.
Double buggy is a pain.
Baby groups were hard to get to because one or the other was the wrong age.
They argue but they also argue with their younger brother who's 3-4 years younger than them so think they would have anyway.

I found out I was pregnant with DC2 just after DC1 turned one as well. Didn't consider not having it as we knew we wanted more (just not so soon) and I realised we were lucky to get pregnant so easily and who knows how that might change. (I know several mums who desperately wanted a 2nd DC but it never happened, they just couldn't fall pregnant.)

20 month age gap. I found the first couple of years incredibly hard (DC2 had reflux and screamed constantly for the first 6 months) and we had no help from relatives. (So if you have any that are offering to help, do take them up on it!!)
But the DC have always been incredibly close and got on really well. They are now 9 and 8 and the very best of friends. (Although they also know just how to wind each other up but any rows are over quickly!) They are a joy together.

I am so pleased we have such a small gap. All the baby stage over with fairly quickly and near enough in age to enjoy similar toys, games, films and activities.

Wishing you all the best x

I planned mine close together. 15 month gap. Wanted more but other half didn't so just the 2.
The early years were tough but also enjoyable (I've forgotten the tough stuff but remember the good bits). My second child's first year is a complete blur and I didn't get the chance to really enjoy his early years because of tiredness.
However, they are now 8 and 10 and generally the best of friends. Same hobbies, hang out with each others friends. When playdates happen they all play together. They've spent the whole of this holiday playing with Lego and Playmobil together and generally entertaining each other.

Unexpectedly 16 months between my first two. Fell first time with DC2 after DC1 took ages. I won't lie to you, the first year was really tough. But since then it's been great & they are still best friends now as young adults.

But OP you must do what's right for you, and you alone. I wish you the best of luck.

Mine have 19 months between them. The first few years were hard (as they always are with small children), but it’s a piece of cake later on as they share similar interests. Mine are both girls, now 18 and 20, chalk and cheese, and we have a lovely time going to gin bars together.

Get the hard bit over and done with all in one go. It can be tough, but you won’t regret it later on.

That said, do what is right for you and your family. It’s your body and your life.

There are lots of advantages to having them close together:

1. You don't have to store the baby stuff for ages or sell and rebuy it
2. They'll share more interests and so be more likely to entertain each other
3. It'll be easier to find family activities and holidays to suit both
4. Their baby/toddlerhoods will overlap, cutting down on the number of years spent dealing with nappies and unsettled sleep
5. Less likely to be sibling rivalry, as the oldest will not remember a time when the youngest didn't exist.

There are others, I'm sure, but those spring to mind off the top of my head.

16 months between mine not nearly as hard as you imagine