Best age gap & for nursery costs to try for second child

[DaisyDooox]

Just wondered peoples advice on when best to try for a second child?

From an age gap perspective and also from a nursery perspective, so not being hit too hard with nursery fees for 2 children. I know there's lots of additional government funding now with 15 hours free per week for 9 months+ (which I will be getting) then from Sept 2025 there will be 30 free hours per week for 9 months+.

My first is turning one next month and I was thinking on maybe trying for another when they are closer to 2 years old? Especially with the new 30 free hours per week rolling out next Sept 2025.

Yeah I'd wait till eldest is two and hope you don't have twins

Haha that is true! Don't fancy twins 🤣

Just bear in mind that sometimes the universe has other ideas and doesn't let you plan these things!

I got pregnant with my first born very quickly (second cycle) but it took 4 years to conceive baby number 2!

Secondary infertility is surprisingly common and you don't know anything about it until you are TTC again.

Hopefully it won't affect you but just something to be aware of.

If you can possibly manage it money wise, the smaller the age gap, the more nursery fees you save.
So, I was off the year DS1 was 2-3. That's a years worth of expensive nursery not paid for - he went back at 3 when the additional free hours came in.
BUT is was a very expensive year with a preschooler and a toddler in FT nursery.

If you want to minimise the overlap, target a baby to arrive about 10 months before the oldest starts school.

Around 3 years. There will be 3.5 years between mine once this baby is born in March and for them both to be in nursery 2 days I'll be paying less than what I do now just for the one.