age gaps

[clewin]

i have a ds who is alomst 7 months old and already me and p are wondering when we should 'try' for out next baby. i was just wondering if any mn's have any advice or stories about their experiences in what they think is 'the right age gap'. i want my ds to grow up having a brother or sister close in age to him - but how close????

we had dd2 when dd1 was 3 adn it was and is a fab gap - dd1 was out of nappies, in preschool, could talk and was reasonably understanding about having a baby sister!

we now have a 21 month gap with dd2 and dd3 and it's good too, it's hard work - they are boht in nappies, both really needy....I am a bit older so prob get tired more easily.....really, they both have good and bad.
there are lots of threads on this with prob a 50/50 split!
good luck with your decision!

that completely depends on what you will feel comfortable with.
I have 3 children[latest born last week] so have a 3.2yr old,12mth old and a 4 day old. The first gap was great as Ds was that bit older so more independent and was able to do simple stuff like walk out to the car instead of carrying 2 out etc. However he was also old enough to notice the big change around DD1 being born. This time it is great as DS adores DD2 and has been extremely helpful. DD1 is too young to really be bothered by the arrival of DD2 but she is also still in need of a lot of help and cant walk properly so getting ready to go out is a military operation.

I had 3 years between first and second and 2 years later number 3 arrived. I would opt for a 3 year gap again personally, far easier in many ways.

Mainly that first was more independant and better at communicating and more understanding at the age of 3. A two year old isn't talking and understanding as well, needs more attention, feels like a baby in ways too plus needs potty training etc.

thankyou for all up messages! dont know what we will do but for now I know that I am not ready to be getting pregnant again! Our plan was more end of this year beginning of next year when ds will be 2 by time baby arrives, guess theres not easy answer - you just get on with what you have got!

We'll have 5.5 years - but it wasn't planned that way.