Sibling: When is the BEST TIME to have a sibling for BABY NR 1?

[starchildmum]

Hi

Obviously it is down to a lot of things.... being ready, work, health, whether it works or not.... etc. but I was wondering when think is the BEST TIME to have a 2. child ( not third)?

There are pros and cons for every age gap.

On one hand if you have a small gap, say up to 2 and a half years, they are at a similar stage, they may play well together, as a family you get the baby stage over quickly and can move on to other things together.

On the other hand with a larger gap life is less chaotic, you could concentrate on each newborn more, the elder child could help you more and may dote on a new baby, if the elder child is at school you would have more time with the newborn.

Do what you feel is right for you.

That is very true. Just wanted to her some views and if there is one version which tends to have more advantages.... I agree, whatever the age difference its always wonderful.

There are just over four years between my two DSs. It works for us, due to the reasons Bowelersarm gives above. DS1 starts at reception in September, DS2 will be nine months old, and I will have loads of time to play with him/take him to groups etc. DS1 entertains DS2 and DS2 just adores DS1. Obviously I have no idea what it'll be like when they get older, but for now it is works really well all round.

I wouldn't have wanted to have two very close together as the thought of having a toddler and a baby at the same time terrified me! But each to their own of course.