To want children close together?

[TH22]

I currently have a 10 week old. Blessed in that she has been a pretty easy baby so far. Has her moments don't get me wrong, but have been pleasantly surprised at how it's been so far. However, fully aware that it could change at any point and she turns into a nightmare.

I've always wanted my children close together. Can't specifically pinpoint the reason; it's just what I imagined. However, (my) age is definitely playing a part in my thinking. I would like to try for number 2 in the new year. I know that it may not be that simple and could take months (if not years) to fall pregnant again. However, if I fall pregnant relatively soon after trying, I could potentially have an 18 month old and a newborn...

My husband is younger and therefor thinks we should wait a few years. He doesn't see any rush.

Am I mad? For those who have kids close together, is it horrific? If so, did you forget about the pain when they got older and appreciate the closeness in age, or forever regret doing it so soon?

I would love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly!

An interesting question. My first two were 19 months apart. When my third was born these two were 6 and 8. Personally I found the two together incredibly hard work and there were times when I felt totally overwhelmed. The third was a doddle - she basically had 3 Mums and great fun was had by all!

I had an 18 month gap between my first two and loved it. The eldest was still napping when the youngest was born so had about 8 months of then both regularly napping at the same time which was a dream

My daughters are eleven months apart (planned that way). The first 6 months or so after DD2 was born were quite difficult but they were fairly easy babies so it wasn't too bad.
After that it's been great. They could share toys and keep each other entertained and it meant that I didn't have to start the baby stage all over again.

I have 16 months between my first two, then 2.5 years between DC2 and DC3, so three in under four years. We planned to have them close together, just wanted to get the baby years done within a few years. We did conceive DC2 a bit quicker than we expected to, thought it would be more likely to be a two year gap as it had taken ages to conceive DC1, but no - just once did it!.

It was tough in the first year, but soon got easier. They are all boys so happily played together and liked doing the same things. All are grown now, the elder two are still best friends and very close.

I think small age gaps are better, personally I love the family dynamic with DC close in age. It will be hard work initially but it's so much easier as they get older. Everything from days out to holidays to activities is easier with a small gap.