any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

DH convinced me that we should have #2, but I need a loooong break before the next one... what do you think?

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

It is such a personal decision. I can tell you that my sister and I are almost five years apart and I really wish we were closer in age growing up. I remember being lonely and having a million imaginary brothers and sisters. It is one of the reasons I decided to have my two closer in age.

ETA You just had a child. Take some time to enjoy him. I wasn't ready to have another until DD was 15 months. You could totally change your mind. Tell your DH to lay off for now..

Message edited 7/1/2010 2:46:17 PM.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

My brother and I are 8.5 years apart and really close. I think bc he was so little when I was a teen, I was more likely to protect him and then play with him bc he was so cute.

My sister and I are only 2.5 years apart and fought like there was no tomorrow (we are super close now) but I never ever ever fought with my brother.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

You know what's weird - I wanted to have 2 under 2 so they would be close, especially while growing up, and could always have a friend to play with. However, I have two sisters, and the one that is 5 years younger than me is the one I am closest with - I'm not close at all with the sister who is less than 3 years younger than me. It's totally a personality thing, not an age thing, especially as they get older and go to school and make their own friends.

I say do what's best for your and your family, don't worry about the difference in ages.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

Depending on my say of things- we may be waiting 5 yrs. BIGGEST reason for waiting is we cannot affor d two kids in daycare. Our timeline is to have DC #2 in June (or after) of 2012, the year that DS starts kindergarten. He'll turn 5 in May 2012.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

I had all mine 5 yrs a part ,and in some ways I wish they were closer in age, but mentally it was perfect ! I had one , sent her to school, had another , sent her to school , had #3 and she will be 2 in 2 weeks !

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

I don't know what the right answer is, but I can tell you:

-I am closer to my brother that is 4 yrs older than me than I am to my brother who is 2 yrs older.

-My DS will be 4 at the end of the month and my DD was born this April. I have not seen any jealousy or behvaior issues with DS, yet, at least. He is so helpful and loves his baby sister so much. My plan was to have them 2 yrs apart, but God had other plans and I couldn't be happier with the way things are.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

I was 30 when I had DS, and don't want to go beyond 35, but definitely want to wait a few years. From researching spacing b/w siblings (I'm a PhD dork), it seems like the most well-adjusted are like 3 years difference. But you know, 10 months or 10 years, I think whether siblings get along all has to do with personality and not age difference.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

My niece is 5 years older than my nephew. It def. has been easier on my BIL/SIL with my niece being older.

She was a little helper. Get me this/Get me that, etc....


On a side note, I am closer to my brother who is almost 17 years younger than me than my sister who is 15 months younger than me. We have totally different personalities. We would never talked to each other if we were not sisters. We have always been so different. So closeness in age does not mean closeness in personality. She was always a PITA to play with. Although we were supposed to be "built in play dates" due to our little 15 months apart, I had to lose all the games because she was a sore loser. She was a little capricious pest.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

We are waiitng about 3-4 years. I am in no way ready (financially, emotionally, physically) to have another any time soon. Pregnancy was rough for me and I almost considered not having another, but I love DD so much, it makes ALMOST forget what I went through. I also want DD to get my full attention for a few years.

My sister is 8 years younger than me and she is my best friend. We always wished we were closer in age because we couldn't do everything together - like school, going out, etc. My BFF has a sister who is 8 years older than her and they do not get along at all. I think it's all about personality and family dynamics too.

I think you'll know when you're ready.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

Mine are 3 1/2 years apart. I actually love the age difference. They love each other & play together just fine. It's nice having one that is somewhat independent while having an infant/toddler to care for. Plus, i feel like DD had her time to be "the baby" before we added another child to the family.

Every family is different & you have to decide what works best for yours. If you think you need 5 years, go for it!

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

THe way I think of it is age, gender etc dont make you instant BFFs. I know plenty of people who are close in age to their siblings and not close in relationship.

I am the youngest and my brothers are 12 and 9 years older than me. Growing up my oldest brother and I were really close. Of course he wasnt confiding in me about relationships etc. But we did alot together.

Now I am 31 and my brother who is 9 years older than me is one of my best friends. We talk probably 3x a week. Tell each other almost everything. He is one of the first people I call if I need advice and vice versa.


I wanted my kids 3-4 years apart. This was a decision I was comfortable with because I want #2 but didnt really have any desire to have another for awhile after DS was born.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

FOr me, personally, 5 years would be IDEAL for me!! My brother and I are 8 years apart (he is younger) and I loooove it. But given my age I am hoping I can at least wait to 4 years apart. I want them spaced out so I can be selfish and enjoy Athan for a little longer - until he is potty trained, in pre-school, etc. and then focus on a little one.

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

Re: any advocates of waiting more than 5 years for baby #2?

It wasnt intentional. But my boys are 6 years apart and it is perfect. No jealousy! They adore each other. Its perfect.