3-4 year age gap between DC

Before I was a mom, I always thought I wanted kids 2.5-3 years apart. Now, for a variety of reasons, I don't think we'll start TTC until DS is at least 2.5. There are days where I wish I was pregnant now and there are days when I'm glad we're waiting.

How far apart are your DC?
What do you like about the age gap?
What don't you like about the age gap?
How did DC adjust to the new baby?
Do you wish that you had DC closer together?

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

My DS and DD are 3y3m apart and as much as I had wanted a 2 year gap, it was truly a blessing in disguise

My DS was already potty trained so that was a big bonus..He also was in
part time pre-k so it gave me some one on one time with my DD which was nice...

He was pretty self sufficient and could understand that he needed to be quiet if the baby was sleeping etc...There also was little to no jealousy at all..

My DD will only be 2y2 months older than and I'm sweating this MUCH more than I did with the age gap with my DS and DD ...my DD is still very very needy, not yet potty-trained, though she is making some great strides and I have a feeling there will be some jealousy issues this time around

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

My kids are 3 yrs 9 mos apart and although I wanted them to be 2 yrs apart I am happy with the way things worked out. DS got to have lots of alone time and now DD will too because she and I go to play group and things while he was at school. Not to mention DS is pretty self sufficient a lot of the time, he isn't in diapers, he was not jealous for a second. He loves his baby sister so much and is protective of her. Loves to help feed her and hold her etc. Personally I am closer with my brother that is 4 years older than I am to the brother that is 2 years older than me. There are pro's and cons to both, but no matter what it will be great.

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

My boys are 3yrs5mos apart. I wanted them a little closer, but it took us 10 months to get pregnant. But I think it worked out for the best. Like PP have said, DS#1 was alreaqdy out of diapers, was able to be a bit more of a help, and was in school/then camp a couple of hours a week. The only downfall I can see right now is that they won't be in the same school as much as I would have liked. I would have liked them 2 grades apart, and they are 3. But that's really it.

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

How far apart are your DC?
Almost exactly 3 years

What do you like about the age gap?
I like that DS had a lot on 1:1 time with us before having a sister. I also like that he was in preschool, so he wasn't stuck at home all day with the baby.

What don't you like about the age gap?
The only thing I think would be better is having one right after the next, like irish twins. This way they are babies, toddlers, etc.. together.

How did DC adjust to the new baby?
Ok. He's had trouble sharing the attention but it's not bad. He's probably had more trouble with it than most kids I think.

Do you wish that you had DC closer together?
No. I could not have done it if they were closer. It's a nice idea, but not for me.

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

DD is 3.5 now and we are shooting for the larger gap. Both DH and I have big age gaps between our older brother (5 for me and 7.5 for him), so we have heard from our parents how nice it was to have the older one a little more independent when the next one comes. I def didn't want two in diapers or two who BOTH need to be picked up. I actually like that DD is asking about a sibling now and showing interest in having one. Maybe soon we can give her one...

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

I love this age gap. I really wanted them closer in age but was unable to do so because of medical issues. It turned out great.

I have a boy who is 6.5 and a girl who is 3. My son is always very helpful with her and takes good care of his sister most of the time. They are great friends despite the gap and when other playmates are not around they have each other. They always bond on vacation.


I like the fact that everything is spread out a little more and I think I appreciate how time flies more because of the gap. I remember when my son entered preschool and how exciting it was. He is now in grade school and I had a little break from preschool stuff. I look forward to doing it all again with my daughter though. Which is great.



Some cons are that they do not like the same types of shows/ movies (but we found tom and jerry to be the crowd please,) They like different rides at disney, which works out fine because my dh takes one and I take the other. No big deal for either and I honestly can not think of a single other con.

They are such good friends and love each other so much. Of course they are at different stages, but they still find ways to have fun together...just being silly. My dd looks up to her brother and is sure to give him a big hug and kiss every night.

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

DD was 3.5yo when DS was born.

I love that I don't have two in diapers and that DD has become more a protective older sibling. She's starting to entertain DS (almost 4mo) which is fun to see him light up when she gets going.

DS is too young yet but I worry about them not being able to play together. My sisters and I were the same age difference and we never really played together. That could be due more to the fact that they were twins and had each other though.

While DD can help at her age, and does often, she can also refuse not too out of spite. Her jealously sometimes rears its ugly head and she'll wake him up or just refuse to do what I ask. For the first month after DS was born, she regressed in her sleeping and potty training habits, which was a pain. The potty training regression was short lived but the sleeping is taking some time. Ugh.

I kind of wish I had them closer together but that wasn't an option. If we have a third, I'd like DS and 3rd to be closer in age.

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

Posted by Bops

My DS and DD are 3y3m apart and as much as I had wanted a 2 year gap, it was truly a blessing in disguise

My DS was already potty trained so that was a big bonus..He also was in
part time pre-k so it gave me some one on one time with my DD which was nice...

He was pretty self sufficient and could understand that he needed to be quiet if the baby was sleeping etc...There also was little to no jealousy at all..

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

There will be a 3 year 3 month gap between DD and her little bro. I am so happy about it. She understands everything and gets so excited about everything going on from pics of the baby, to sonos. I know she is going to be such a huge helper when the baby comes.

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

My girls are exactly 3 years apart. I always said I wanted my kids closer in age (my sister & I are 16 months apart), but I love the age difference of my girls. My oldest LOVE to help with the baby, totally understands when I have to tend to baby, etc. I think there are positives to every age difference (and some negatives).

Re: 3-4 year age gap between DC

My situation is a tad different and Im happy I did wait.

My DD was 3 n 4mths old when twins boys arrived.

We were happy to wait for reasons like money, our time and daycare.

Let me just tell you that I AM HAPPY I did....I got the biggest surprise of my life.

I dont know how I would of handled twins and my DD being younger.

I love the age gap. I am happy I waited.

She is SO independent in many ways. Esp with no diapers.

Having her deal with the siblings was of course a transition, but it was over quickly and she loves and adores them so much.
She isnt much help to me with them, only on her terms but I feel that is just her personality.

Family is now complete. We are done.

Message edited 11/17/2010 2:55:19 PM.