Age difference between children - what is 18months like?!

[MovetoMK]

Evening! Is anyone able to point me to a thread where the merits of different age gaps between children is discussed? Particular keen to read thoughts on an 18-20month gap. Ta muchly x

I have a 19mo and kind if wish I was having another baby right now - DS is so cute with his baby cousin and loves babies, he's very gentle (if a bit over enthusiastic with cuddles). I am sure there would be a different dynamic with a sibling but still I think it is a lovely age and as they grow up they won't remember being without each other.

However I would think there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of age gap - with a bigger gap the older child will be more aware of being gentle, hopefully out of nappies and maybe even helpful.

i have 18m between ds2 and ds3. it's pretty intense!

looking back I do feel like I really missed out on my newborn because I was just so ridiculously busy.

i have nearly 5 years between ds3 and ds4 and it's lovely!

but there are pros and cons to all age gaps I think, and whatever you end up with you make it work :)

Mine are 18 months apart and it's been great so far! They're 23m and almost 5m and so cute together. DD adores her little brother and gives him lots of slobbery toddler kisses (totally unprompted) and he grins at her and waves his arms and legs like a loon

It has been hard, obviously, but not twice as hard. DD was a particularly hard work baby and DS is fairly easy by comparison, though, so my view might be a bit skewed. There are moments when they're both crying for something at the same time and you're totally torn as to who to deal with first (I go for most in need or easily sorted), but it's not wall to wall awfulness.

Decent double buggy is a must!

I found the 18mth gap between our oldest two easier than the 2.5 yr gap between our middle dc and youngest dc.

Yes it could be hard when they were both babies, especially the bath and bed routine but you just sort of get on it. All the activities you'd do with a 18mth old are suitable for the baby like mums and tots and rhythm time etc.

It's also been really nice as they grow up (now 4 and 5) as they play together, and like the same sort of days out. It's also handy as their in consecutive school years which will make life easier I think.

I also agree with the crawling baby and Lego comment, dc1 and dc2 who are 4 and 5 leave their Lego, Barbie shoes etc everywhere which is a bloody nightmare with dc3 17mths. They also leave the stairgate open constantly.
Dc3 gets frustrated and has many tantrums because he sees them doing something he can't.
It's fun city in our house at the moment

With the benefit of distant hindsight I'd say don't have one doing A-levels while the other does GCSEs.

Wibble.

I have no idea. if it helps im going for an 18 1/2 years difference.

good luck. im sure you will be fine

19 month gap here (elder DD and then twins). Nightmare first year. Wouldn't change it for anything now (they are 7 and 5).

We will have a 14 and a half month gap soon .. Enjoying these calm few months

My two are 20 months DS and DD and they are the best of friends, they pine after one another if not together. I didn't find it very difficult, of course there were a few moments when they were both having a screaming moment at the same time but infact having my son helped occupy my daughter as they got a bit older. Like others have said having children close together, you'll find that they'll both enjoy the same activities.
I am so glad I had quite a short gap and if I go onto have anymore I will consider having two very close together again if I can.

20 months apart*

17 months between mine (now 18 and 16 yrs) - one doing A levels and the other GCSEs. Already having sleepless nights about supporting 2 through uni at same time.

20months - first year a mad blur, I can't believe I ever pushed a double pram round the shops regularly...lots of nappy changes and hand washing (get cream!). Now they're 4 and 6 and I'm chuffed i did it. Things like toys, playgrounds, soft play, swimming, theme park etc all good as they are of similar ability. Some clothes are also interchangeable.