18 month gap.. "The next 5 years are going to be hell.."

[Breadrollsbuns]

I'm 33 weeks with DS2, and there will be an 18 month age gap between him and DS1 when he arrives. I'm naturally nervous but excited about the prospect. However, for some reason people seem to be taking great pleasure in telling me that my life is going to be "a living hell" for the next 5 years (following which, apparently, it will be fine.. that's ok then [hmmm]).

Does anybody have anything nice to say about 18 month age gaps, as I'm finding all of the unsolicited comments (and there have been lots) a bit depressing (the weather isn't helping either)!!

I agree with snicker WRT the younger one being more forward with things. I found that DS1 picked some things up earlier than DD1, speaking in sentences, recognising shapes etc, as he copied his older sister.

It was hard having two in nappies from the amount of changes they needed between them. I did find it easier to toilet train DS1 as again he copied his sister.

I've done it three times with 4 dds! I think I am still sane! I have a 19, 20 and 22 month gap between 4 dds. Yes it can be hard, really hard, and it can also be bloody fantastic! People say stupid things. I don't think they mean to scare you, they are just thoughtless. On the weekend a stranger mentioned that my husband should be shot for giving me four daughters . And that I should now keep my legs shut .

Good luck op! They will keep each other entertained nicely once they are a little older!

I've got a 19 month gap, a 15 month gap and a 13 month gap.
The 19 month gap is between two girls who are 12 and 11. It is hell at the moment and has been for the past two years. That is more because of their personalities rather than the 19 month gap.

I have 18m between DD1 & DD2, 30m between DD2 & DD3 and 22m between DD3 & DS.

IME the 18 month gap is the best
Much easier than having to get organised for nursery or school, you in effect have 2 babies, two in nappies and more importantly two that can nap together ( this is very important get the two napping in the afternoon at the sane time and your sorted).

Honestly it's not that hard, get a good double buggy (I've had four Phil & Teds the best). Its much easier to have two strapped in a buggy than a toddler walking and a buggy, even a 4 year old walking and a buggy. Mine first two DDS are chalk and cheese so different but are very close.

It can't be that bad as I went on to have another two

There's 18 months between my brother and me and it was great - we grew up as best friends and kept each other amused. We are still very close and my mother thinks it was the perfect gap!