Experiences of having a third child

[Mumtomandm]

I’m a mother of two: a 9 month old and a 2 1/2 year old. I can’t shake the feeling of wanting another child so wanted to hear people’s experiences with having a third. Would you advise going for it? Is it a difficult jump? Is there a nice age gap you’ve found between 2nd and 3rd?

My husband is not keen but isn’t completely closed off to the idea- we agreed we’d discuss how we’re feeling in another year or so. My logical brain is saying don’t do it because of finances/practicalities/the fact that we have a nice life as it is with two healthy children. But then I still have this desire for more!

I have a 9 year old, nearly 2yr old and neatly 1yr old. Do it. I think you know when you're done. We're trying for a fourth now.

We flipped a coin, one side yes to a fourth, the other no. When it landed on yes, I told my partner to put the coin down and asked if he wanted to flip it again, he said no, because if he did he might lose the yes.

That's how we figured out we definitely wanted a fourth.

I'm one of 5, DH is one of 2. We always wanted three and are delighted that's what we have.

Unlike pp however, we did not want a 4th.

Three is perfect for us.
Just under 2 year age gap for first and second, then 2 years for third.
Now 6,8 and 10. All best friends.
Does limit car choices with 3 car seats! And much less choice for hotel rooms!!

I have 3 (now adults).
Wouldn't have it any other way.

For me 0 -1 was so life changing, but 1 - 2 and 2 - 3 were so much easier, and they slotted in.
Mind, I had 2.5 yrs between 1 and 2 and 3 yr between 2 and 3.

I was desperate for another after two, with three I'm complete.

It is a lot more work though, so hard disagree with PP who said they just slot in.

There's nothing anyone can say though, either you want one so go for it, or don't, so don't.

I founded 2-3 the hardest (we have 4). I think it was just that suddenly the adults were outnumbered! We did have 4 in 6 years though so it was quite busy. Bizarrely 3-4 was a doddle.

I found 1-2 the hardest but there is only a 15 month agreement gap between them. There is a 4 year age gap between my son and dd2. I don't regret it but won't be having anymore sadly. She has been the easiest (so far at least) of the 3, ate well and slept through from 3 months. I was able to do lots of baby groups and took the time to just enjoy her. It was easier as oldest dd1 was at school and son at nursery so we had the mornings to ourselves. She's joyous and for me just slotted in as she wasn't a high needs baby.

There is more laundry to be done, it is more expensive but we have a house big enough and haven't needed to change our car. We didn't need childcare as dh compressed his hours and we work around each other.

Thank you all for your responses! So interesting to hear different experiences. Nothing has put me off 😅 Might get a response on here in a year or two updating you.. 👀🙏🏼

I stumbled across this thread debating this same issue!
Any update @Mumtomandm ?

@NameIDKI have three and absolutely love it, but I do think it depends on your personality type. I love the feeling of being outnumbered and that the child energy outweighs the adult energy iyswim. It is more expressive though!