Age gap!

[Goodnessrosee]

What are people's opinion on the best age gap between the first and second child? The considerations include helping make it as easy as possible to parent two (or more) children and to allow the best time to bond with all children. Thanks in advance for any advice!

I have a 6 year gap. I like it a lit and it was right for us but it has pros and cons.

Easier financially with not paying two lots of full-time childcare at once - we couldn't have afforded that or for one of us to stay home. Easy that my 6 year old is now very independent and even helps with the baby - I don't think I could have coped with a baby and a toddler at the same time. Almost no jealousy yet. Was able to focus entirely on my older child's needs and education for a long time. Able to go to baby groups, coffee with other mums etc whilst older child is at school .

Hard that they won't play together like same age siblings do so we have to play more. Hard catering for such different needs and interests for hobbies, days out and holidays. Hard having having to make sure my 6 year old had all the opportunities she needed to socialise with other kids in lockdowns as she was an only child.

Whatever works for you is the answer really, I have just over two years between mine, it seems to work, I also have a friend who has 11 months between hers, they are both going to be in the same school year, but that seems to work as well. I have friends who had one in their mid twenties and another in their mid or even late thirties, one is a 16 year age difference and she absolutely adores her little brother.

So in answer, there really is not a right age gap, it depends on the children, you, your lifestyle, finances etc. whatever the age gap, it will be right.

There is no best gap really, just keep your fingers crossed you don't get children with clashing personalities.
We had a 5 year gap but not by choice (we lost 2 between). I we had lots of jealousy in the early months. 2 & 3 16.5mth gap, lovely as babies/toddlers but fight a lot now older. 3 & 4/5 almost 3 years, they get on well but the twin bond can push 3rd out a bit. 4/5 & 6 have 6yr 5mth gap, all of them adore baby and want to help. Ours mostly get along thankfully.