All I read is doom and gloom on having two children I just want to here something positive ?

[Loudloopy]

I'm due to become a family of four in four weeks times and the anxiety is increasing as I'm getting closer on how I'm going to cope and adapt and I read nothing but horror stories 😭 my LO is 2 years 3 months, I'm worried how he's going to adapt and how we're going to adapt and how the new routines will be etc, can someone give me a more positive outlook rather than the doom and gloom ! ?

Hellllllp

I had my second at the same age of your toddler and I had a wonderful time. Happy toddler and happy baby. One of the best times of my life! Don't sabotage yourself by letting other people's negativity get you down. The attitude you have going into it is so important.

Watching your baby love your baby is the best thing ever

2 is fine. One each to watch. It’s number 3 that breaks you...

Hey hun I've got no experience so I can't give you a positive story myself but my best friend has got 2 LOs 13 months apart and they absolutely adore each other! And now they're a little older she has more time to herself because they play together and entertain each other so she can have a brew and a little bit of time for herself while they do so, also I've just found out I'm pregnant with no2 my LO is only 4 months old so they will be 12 months apart, and i know I've got a ways off yet but the anxiety is keeping me awake at night, but on the other hand we can't change what's meant to be and they aren't little forever so we should just try and enjoy them for as long as possible

Oh I love having two! My eldest was 2.5 when my youngest was born; she adored her sibling as a baby and now they are best friends amongst the usually sibling squabbling. Life is often chaotic and challenging but it still is with one child really. I certainly wouldn't see it as a life of doom and gloom.

My baby no 2 is the happiest wee easy baby and adored by his big brother! We might even go for a 3rd he's such a joy and it's been an absolute breeze this time round even with a toddler

Just to say I also had an age gap of 2 yrs 4 months and my babies were thick as thieves when they were little! Mischief making duo,I would love to go back 20 years and do it again,it was tiring obviously, but we had some brilliant times and I wouldn’t change a thing,you will love it x

There’s a similar age gap between mine and I loved it (don’t get me wrong, it had it moments, but doesn’t everything?!). I enjoyed the night feeds loads more with baby #2 because it was time for just us, watching my older child love and care about their sibling was and is wonderful and there is no way if change anything! Best of luck with your growing family.

Giving DC1 a sibling was the best thing we ever did. Watching them grow and play together is a joy. Hard work sometimes, but the good outweighs the bad. So we’re going to try for DC3 soon. Congratulations on your pregnancy and enjoy your babies.

Oh and our age gap was 2 years 2 months. It works well.

I've got 2 with the same age gap. They love each other & they're BFFs. Yes yes to PP who said the most beautiful thing in the world is seeing your babies love each other ❤️

I had my second when ds1 was 19m, the first few months were hard as it takes time to readjust! Ds1 loves ds2 for the minute we brought him home and they've grown up with a very strong bond!

I had three. A baby, a one year old, and a two year old, it wasn't hard and was the happiest time of my life. I didn't work though.

Similar age gap between dc1 and 2. My experience was that yes, it’s hard work and there are times where you may want to weep but mostly, it’s good.
Get out a lot when you’re ready. The fresh air will do you all good.
Get as much as routine going as you can so you don’t find things totally overwhelming and get regular time out for yourself.
Mine are older now (13 and under) and all are really close.

Omg whaaaat?? People will be all doom and gloom about anything, 1-child families are always told ‘only is lonely’ etc.
I have 2 and they absolutely love each other! DS2 was a puker and somehow, despite his clothes being tiny, the laundry doubled. But other than that it’s been wonderful! They’re best buddies already at almost-4 and 18 months.

2.5 years here. Found it far easier with toddler and baby than toddler and pregnant. A routine just kind of fell into place, ds1 loved ds2 on sight and adapted beautifully. They've always been close and still are. Enjoy the precious moments.

I've got a 2y gap. They go through phases - all good while dd2 idolised dd1, then she got her own opinions so it wasn't so good, then they could play together so all good again

Blimey. Where are you getting the doom and gloom from??

I have 2 (with a 12 month age gap) and couldn't disagree more.

2 kids, small age gap, lots in common = easy peasy. Great friends, zero jealousy and great fun.

I have a 23mnth age gap between my 2 and I found the fact DS1 was so young when his brother came along meant he adapted really well. Until DS2 was about 3 or 4 months old and starting to spend more time awake and doing stuff, I don't think DS1 was even fully aware the baby was there most of the time.

I did find it very hard on mat leave but that was mostly because my DH wasn't around to help much, I didn't have a lot of support from friends and family and I think the three of us just got cabin fever from being stuck together all day every day doing the same things. I put DS1 into nursery for a couple of mornings a week and things were a lot better for everyone after that.

They are now 3 and 5 and best friends. They fight like any siblings but they play together, share their toys and sweets with each other, make each other laugh, etc. They like snuggling up together under a blanket to watch TV in the evenings sometimes .

Don't worry if the first year is tough - its gets much much easier once you get past the baby/toddler combination. I know plenty of people who gave dcs with a similar age gap who found the first year fine, so it probably depends on your CD's personalities as well.

It will all be fine and you'll be wondering whether you should go for no.3 in a couple of years time .

Sorry about the typos in that post, hopefully it still makes sense!

Great age gap. Baby will be easy at first then by the time baby is on the move older sibling will be a little better at listening. When they are older they will enjoy many activities for the same age.

Guys this is so lovely to hear you I've made me go from being anxious to super excited !! I was sat sitting the other day thinking how nice it will be to have a little buddy with me this time as all of you probably agree that woth your first there are moments of a horrible loneliness even when people to visit me I still bouts of a sense of loneliness I'm excited to have this adventure woth my 2 year old in tow, equally it will make me get out more as the two year old is a wild child, luckily babies born in time for summer which hopefully means I can get out and about in the fresh air

Thanks so much guys

I have the exact same age gap and am so glad I did it that way. They are two little best friends now and it's fantastic to watch them grow up together x

I have exactly the same age gap, 2 years 3 months! My DC are now 3.5 and 1.5. it has been hard but SO worth it. They adore each other.

The first 6 weeks was really tough as my DD didn't react well. We realised immediately that she had no understanding of the baby coming at all (she said she did, but she didn't understand the permanent nature of it, or that it would affect how much of my attention she had). She hated me breastfeeding, randomly, and tried to physically wrench her brother from my boob on more than one occasion. Can't remember how long it lasted but it's a distant memory now.

I think for the first year it very much felt like I was running from one to the other satisfying different needs. Now it is all coming together and I feel like I look after them as one unit. I take them to the park and they can play on the same things, kick a ball together, play with some of the same toys at home, eat the same meals etc. It honestly gets easier with every month that passes so if you find it hard at first hang in there. I think it's a great age gap.

I also remember freaking out before having DS, wondering how I could possibly parent 2 and worrying about how DD would cope. I was told by midwives that is entirely normal! Good luck!

When dc2 is born in July/August there’ll be 22 months between ds and new one.

I’m like you - only been told negative things. But I’m trying to remain positive. It will be fine. Might be tough at times. But what isn’t?

It’s certainly going to be an adventure for us all.