To 3rd baby or not to 3rd baby?

[user1485115111]

I am going round in circles, any outside opinions would be appreciated. We have 2DC and around now would make sense to TTC for a 3rd.

If we stick with 2, we definitely have more time for each child, more spare money and fit the normal 2 adults and 2 kids when we go anywhere. I could potentially be career oriented earlier (once the youngest is at school). However I’m worried deep down I want a 3rd and will always regret it.

If we have a 3rd we have enough money, big enough house, will need to get a new car. I feel like I would definitely feel done and complete. However I have awful pregnancies and non e sleeping children so the idea of never doing pregnancy and the first year sounds good.

There’s something about giving away all the baby stuff that makes me sad, is that normal even if your done? I know I definitely don’t want more than 3 (and the idea of twins freaks me out). Parents of 2 or 3 kids any opinions?

@SlamLikeAGuitar I could have written your response to the OP except my surprise third DC was a boy . Honestly, when I first realised I was pregnant again I was devastated and just couldn’t see how I could cope with 3. Same as you though, he is the easiest and most chilled of the 3, couldn’t imagine life without him now.

We're in a similar situation. 2 is perfect for our circumstances and a third would mean lots of cut backs over the first 3 years with nursery fees but we would (I'd) love another. Mine have a big age gap and as someone above mentioned, the teens are brutal so that should put a stop to that feeling!😳😳😳

@Mumplum1 I'm the same as you! My lo's are 2 years apart and I would ideally like a bit more of a age gap between my second and third. I was thinking maybe trying in a year as my son will have started school by the time the baby would be due but I must admit I'm starting to feel a bit broody now! Definitely a head scramble.

We are in the same position OP. We constantly go back and forth. I would love a third but worry that we will have to give up too much to be able to afford another. We are giving ourselves until next summer to make a definite decision either way. Life will definitely be easier to stick at two but we just worry we will always regret not having another. Good luck deciding!

It's not a third baby, it's a third child. Speaking from experience - don't go for a third baby, because that stage is so short. Think about your support network, your financial situation. What if one is extremely good at a sport and wants to do it every weekend, or if one needs extra help and paid tutoring. Can you afford childcare for 2 DCs at school plus holiday club plus nursery? If you split up, what would happen?

Speaking as someone who unexpectedly found herself a single mother of 3, it can be wonderful but is a lot more, logistically, financially and.emotionally, than 2 - and for decades, not just the baby bit.