How difficult will it be to have a newborn and 1.5 year old

[kiana2015]

I want another baby, I want a close age gap. DD is 9 months, if I got pregnant soon, she would be 1.5, how doable is that with a newborn? Things to take into consideration: I don't drive but live close to public transport, my buggy can convert to a double, I live in a 2 bed, we can afford.

I had a sixteen month gap. I could drive but dh had car for work. Village, gp in next village, limited bus service but I like walking and community was lovely.
Overall I’d say easier than when I had subsequent dc as often felt I needed to be somewhere and baby was napping etc.

For me...very very difficult..now 9 months and nearly 2..still very very difficult 😅 but the eldest we now know has needs.

No one sleeps as they all wake eachother up even in different rooms and due to the eldest needs..sleep.does.not.happen. going out is tricky, as you need to get the toddlers toddling..trying to hold a toddler with one hand and push a double buggy is a challenge.

But to be honest I guess many of the struggles is mainly due to the special needs. But you can't predict these things. (I love them both to bits, but it is hardcore emotionally and physically at times)

I very purposely chose not to do this. 1.5 is still a baby really.

Does your first sleep? Pregnancy with very broken sleep is hard. Looking after a child that age is also a very physical thing.

What are your breastfeeding goals? It was important for me to get to around age 2. Pregnancy does often go hand in hand with weaning for a lot of people.

20 month gap and it was fine. I mean it's never going to be a walk in the park but you get through it! Establish a routine from day one.

Sheer hell.

19 month gap and it was fine. Busy obviously and some days tough but they've always been at the same stage, liked the same toys, games, tv so that definitely made life easier. They're 8 and 9 now and the best of friends.

14 month gap here, was I credibly busy but we managed ok. You both need to tag team. We definitely needed a double buggy. But 2.and 3 they started playing together quite well.

For me it was the best, they have done many things at the same time, lots of shared interests etc. It's full on having 2 that small together but totally doable and you're in the thick of having a baby still so second one just carries on

I could not have done that.

Having said that, my sister and I are 19 months apart and had a lovely childhood growing up together. We are still close now too.

That’s the age gap between my kids and their dad left when the youngest was 6 weeks old. We didn’t see him at all for 5 years. I did it on my own, and it was fine. Hard, but all parenting is hard. And exhausting, but a good exhausting.
If I can do it alone on one income, you’ll be fine with a partner and secure finances.

Yes see my DD is very high needs, not saying there's anything there at all but she is a very high needs baby but all the same you just never know if that will continue or not

She is getting there with sleep to be honest, no where near as bad as she was even last month. That could change at any moment though I know. I didn't breastfeed DD so I don't think I will next time

Yes this is what I want, me and my brother were 17 months apart and we grew up the best of friends

Yes I do think if I'm already in the swing of caring for a baby it will be easier to carry on rather than waiting until DD is older, out of nappies etc and starting over

Oh wow, by the sounds of it you have done amazing! Thank you for this it has really helped

I have that exact age gap. Looking after my eldest whilst heavily pregnant was the worst part. My youngest is 7 months now and it's not difficult. My oldest adores her. A baby carrier is your best friend!

I had twins when DS was 16 months. DS turned 2 in December and twin DD's are now 9 months.

It's definitely full on, especially with my bonus baby but I'm glad they are close in age. It isn't as hard as I was expecting.

We have a good routine and all 3 sleep well unless ill/teething.