Ideal age gap for third baby?

[Lizbiz89]

My oh and I have decided we'd like a third child. We currently have a 4 and 2 year old. Oldest has just started school. We're thinking of leaving a bigger age gap this time between the middle and third because it was so hard having a smaller age gap in the beginning with my first two. Would be good to hear experiences of having a third and the age gaps that worked for you.

How old are you and your OH and how long did it take to conceive the first two?

If this is your final child, I’d get on with it. A 3 year age gap is so much easier than a 2 year one. If you’re considering a 3 and 4, I would leave 4 years and then aim to have the last two close together. That’s basically what we did, and it’s worked brilliantly.

Close enough that they play and watch the same things- far enough apart that you don’t need two of the big items ie. two cots

My oldest two are boys 10&9, my youngest is 5 nearly 6. I like the 3-4 age gap as my oldest were at school and the boys seem to have more patience with their little sister. But she definitely rules the house.

Mine are 9, 7 and 5. It’s much easier now but it was not easier at the time! BUT, if I’d waited for it to become easier I would never have had number 3. So I would either crack on fast or make your peace with 2!

I have 4.5 years between DD and my twins and whilst originally it wasn't the gap I wanted it's actually really good as she's Independent enough and actually really good at helping. I'd like one more and would plan for a gap of around 3.5 years - so hopefully then twins are out of nappies and financially they get the 30 hours

Had a 3 year gap between 1 and 2 and 4 years between 3 and 4, was lovely!

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm 32 so still relatively young. Fell pregnant first month with all of my pregnancies. I would like to leave it until my youngest is at least at school which would be getting pregnant around next Xmas. I know nothing is set in stone but it's always good to hear other people's experiences.

@Lizbiz89

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm 32 so still relatively young. Fell pregnant first month with all of my pregnancies. I would like to leave it until my youngest is at least at school which would be getting pregnant around next Xmas. I know nothing is set in stone but it's always good to hear other people's experiences.

That’s a bigger age gap than I would think is good- be like raising a pair of siblings and an only child - - 5yr old and a 10yr old do very diff things- you will already be pulled across 3 children, I personally wouldn’t add age gap issues to that