Is there a best time to have another baby?

[AK91CH]

Hey all. I have a 7 year old and a almost 1 year old. I have always said we would have 3 children but don't want to leave such a big age gap between the next one and my youngest. So what are your thoughts on age gaps. Is a two year age gap difficult? Which would mean it would be time to try for another pretty soon. Or should we leave more of an age gap? I am really stuck on this one and would love to know your experiences with having siblings close in age together or not. Thank you ☺️

You will get lots of different advice I’m sure, lots of posters like having short gaps as ‘it gets everything over with at the same time’ (ie nappies/ sleepless nights etc). I hate that idea though, I like focussing on each baby. I have a gap of four years between DS1 and DS2 and there’s due to be a gap of three years between DS2 and DS3. I couldn’t handle a non-verbal toddler and a newborn. I like the idea of the children being spaced out at school in a way that they won’t compete too much. BUT it really is such a personal thing- lots of people thrive on the shorter gaps.
DS1 and 2 have a lovely relationship, DS1 looks out for the younger one and the younger one makes him laugh. They hug each other a lot and the older one is tolerant (secretly enjoys) watching the same things etc. They don’t fight over the same things much although of course they do bicker a bit (esp over Lego! )
There was 18 months between me and my brother and 9 years between me and my sister. We’re equally close in different ways as adults, although while growing up I was at different stages to my sister quite a lot so although we got on and loved each other we didn’t get really close until later. However she has a LOT more close friends than I do - possibly because she actively sought out more at school when my brother and I were away at university etc.
Sorry that became an essay!

Thing is, you never know how long these things will take. You could start trying in 6 months and it takes six months... or you could start trying tomorrow and fall pregnant straight away... maybe factor in your age and how quickly you fell pregnant before?