3rd baby - easier with younger or older siblings?

[nickle730]

My older two were 5 and 7 when DD2 was born, so similar to your friend. The gap was great, the older two were - and still are - very helpful with their sister. DD2 calls DD1 Mini Mum! I also really enjoyed sharing my pg with the older two kids, they really understood what as happening and were very excited. I had no issue going back to the 'baby' stage as I really enjoy it. I also feel like DD2 has had the benefit if having me to herself while the other two are at school, although she loves having them home on school holidays!

There are pro's and con's for every age gap, I don't think one is better than the other.

[LuluHB]

Unquestionably for me its easier when they're older. My first two were 12 months apart. Really, really hard. There is four years between my second and third. Piece of cake. Sort of ;-)

[Peekaboo]

Unquestionably for me its easier when they're older. My first two were 12 months apart. Really, really hard. There is four years between my second and third. Piece of cake. Sort of ;-)

Yes, this ^^^ (well, almost!)

My first two are 11.5 months apart, and there is 5.5 years between my second and third. I've gone back to nappies, night feeds, having a newborn totally dependent on me etc, but I am finding it wayyy easier than having two littlies! My older two are able to help out a bit, I try not to ask too much, but they can fetch things for me when I'm feeding, they can talk to their baby sister, give her the dummy, answer the phone if I've forgotten to put it in arm's reach etc. They are independent enough to get their own drinks, snacks, can shower and dress themselves etc.

I am sure there are pros and cons for both scenarios! And you make your own situation work for you and your family

[Najwa]

I'm pregnant with my first baby and I already have planned to not have another kid straight after this one, I'm scared of not being able to cop. I've seen mothers who had kids within months or a year after their other kid and are struggling and can see how they can't give their full attention and care to each child cause they just dont have the time and/or are tired and exhausted. I think i need a few years after my first child to be ready for another, my husband tells me the same. We both believe that its better to just have one kid and give them all the attention and care they need then have 5 kids all one after the other and so close in age and not being able to cop with raising them all. But we say this now before having any kids yet, we might change our minds after we have our child and end up with 10 kids hehehe

[amy798]

Age gap of 3 - 4 years sound about ideal to me. Although, I only have one right now who just turned 1. I cannot think of having another one anytime soon though. And he is a very very active baby. What if another one comes along who has the same energy lol.

[Tinks]

I wouldn't say either situation is easier or harder than the other. Everyone's experience is different.

[myturn]

My mum had a baby when I was 18, my brother 14 and sister 12.... She said it was a bit of adjusting swapping her headspace from a 22 year old to a 4 year old but she had a lt of help!! (Yes, we are all 4 full blood sibling! It was just a nice surprise!!)

I had a lot of responsiblily for my brother, babysat him for a day a week while I was doing uni - I loved it. She used to bring him into my bed when he was a newborn after BF and I would sleep with him while she got the others ready for school i Took him to baby water play and a number of the maternal Heath nurse appointments for my mum... It was the most amazing thing having a baby brother at that age. I miss baby bro... He is now 18 and at uni himself, and he is such an amazing young man - we have all had a hand in reading him.

I suspect there are challenges whatever the age gap - and there are pros and cons either way... And no one can tell you which one is easier... Cause everyone has only done things one way....

[OceanPrincess]

Age gap of 3 - 4 years sound about ideal to me. Although, I only have one right now who just turned 1. I cannot think of having another one anytime soon though. And he is a very very active baby. What if another one comes along who has the same energy lol.

You deal with it. Just like I am, with a third energizer bunny