Tell me the truth - is the jump from 2 to 3 harder than 1 to 2?

[desperatelyseekingsleep]

I found the jump from 1 to 2 truly dreadful. DH and I are still undecided about whether to try for a 3rd - any experiences/opinions on the matter? ds1 and 2 are now 3 and 1 BTW.

its lovely!

1-2 was harder but 2-3 no prob at all, and would have loved the opportunity to do 3-4 but sadly never happened

2-3 no problem, baby just fits right in. 1-2 was far harder

1-2 far more of a shock. By 3 things are so chaotic you barely notice the new one.

1 to 2, nearly lost my marbles. 2 to 3 really great, really tired, but really manageable.

2 to 3 much easier than 1-2....

2 to 3 wonderful! 1 and 2 have each other to play with whilst you are endlessly feeding no. 3. Also all the 3rds I know are so chilled because they have learned to fit right in, to the noise and chaos and school runs etc etc etc

Can I ask what the age gap is between? I have a DS aged 3.5 years and hoping to have another next year. Do you think the gap from 1 to 2 will be better?

When no. 3 was born my dd was almost 5 and my ds 3.5 yrs

I'll tell you in a couple of months

but so far I'm liking the sound of all the responses you have had

DS1 - DS2 - 3yrs 3 months
DS2 - DS3 - 3yrs 6 months

eek so not that much less than we might have (hopefully). DS is certainly a handful and not the most compliant. I really do want another one but am a bit hesitant.

for me, the jump from 2-3 knocked me on my arse, whereas the jump from 1-2 was far easier.

but ive heard plenty of people say it the other way round.

i found 2-3 really really hard, much much hard than 1-2. i think it depends on so many factors - personality of kids, currently age gaps, what support u have around you etc.

i kinda got all three wrong but would not change a thing. my family is complete and things are much easier and better than a year ago. its true though that baby 3 just has to fit in.

i think if you might want another, you should always go for it.

hth & good luck!!

Hmm...expecting no2 in a few weeks time so don't frighten me too much .

oh i love this thread! have jsut discovered that i am preg with number 3 - have 2 DDS who will be just 4 and 2.5 when 3 arrives. have to confess to be petrified about it (wasn't really planned) so am so relieved to read all your comments.

I'm also scared because i am going to be 41 by teh birth too...WHY didn't i start earlier???

where does 0-1 fit in?

OH NO! x posts with smartarse and lovecamping! i'll pretend i didn;t read them...!

not so far (dd3 is 4 mths). We like.

I think it's as much to do with age gaps as anything.

1-2 was a doddle for us but we had a 3.5 year age gap. 21 months later our angelic 3rd child made her appearance and 12 weeks later i can say it's hard work! It's the 2 under 2 thing that I think is hardest.

For us...

0-1 pretty shocking
1-2 the thought was worse than the reality
2-3 walk in the park! I haven't even noticed his arrival really, he just fits in snd our family now feels complete

Our age gaps are

2 years exactly between 1 and 2
2 yrs 1 month between 2 and 3

DC2 is a nightmare, still doesn't sleep through, major tantrums from 9 months etc - if I can cope with her then I guess I can cope with most things.

IMO 2-3 is generally easier than any previous increase but it does vary with the child's personality.

tassissss, I am so pleased to hear you say that!!!! Hurrah I could still go for another.

0-1 - Think I was shell-shocked for the first year, it's all a bit of a blur.
1-2 - Started finding my feet a bit.
2-3 - Finally got the hang of it! (Although the youngest will probably need counselling when she's older from being dragged up in the wake of her demon brothers...)

We had a 3yr gap then a 2yr gap. Both had different advantages.

I love my family of 3, but....

2-3 was the hardest for me by far!

Before you panic I think this is due to several factors...

1. DC3 was a VERY demanding baby whereas after the coilc DC2 was a very self contained and easy going baby.

1. sleep deprivation/PND

1. Put far too high expectations on myself as having all the answers/techniques

1. Having DC1 just starting school and DC2 just starting preschool meant we were always on the go and never seemed to come up for air!!

Looking back on it I really struggled for the first year. I wouldn't give DC3 back! But I do tell people that if DC3 had been the first he would have been an only child!

Goodluck with any decsion you make. I will say as my parting shot that our family didn't feel complete until DC3 came along.

i think people (unintentionally) can have high expectations of you when you have the third ie you have all the answers etc as you've got 3 children. its VERY annoying.

One thing that having 3 has taught/reinforced in me that EVERY CHILD is different!!!!