What's the best age difference between siblings?

MrsRyan61804

I'm an only child so I have no clue what age difference between siblings is best.

I always thought I would wait till my 1st was potty trained and kinda self sufficient before I had another but now that I have Jack I can't imagine turning his world upside down. At that age I think he would have major jealousy issues and that would break my heart. I know I know everyone survives it but never having been through it I just can't imagine it. I am now thinking that younger is better because they are to young to know any better and you avoid the jealousy issues, and this way they are always close growing up. On the other hand I think it's a lot more work for mom and dad!

If it doesn't happen on it's own in the year we are thinking about going back to the RE next January. If all works out and we get pg on the first cycle Jack will be a little over two when I have the baby. Am I crazy to plan on having a newborn and 2yr old at the same time?

alchris

I highly recommend 3 years and 17 days.

I think it's really a personal decision, plus whatever biology has in store for us.  I am 26+ months older than my sister and I knew I wanted a larger age difference than that, and thus far it's been GREAT and Kira has been wonderful with her sister, not a hint of jealousy at this point.  Kira is out of diapers during the day, plus she is independent for other things too, and verbal as well...all of those things help.  But obviously plenty, plenty of people have them closer in age and love it too.

Good luck!

amberleeb

If I could plan it which I know I can't I would want kids to be 2 - 2 1/2 years apart.  My brother and I are 27 months apart and I always love having him close in age to me we were great friends growing up!  I don't think you are crazy at all.

nicolita14w

I think all age differences have their pluses and minuses. If you have two really close in age, yes, it's a lot of work, but the good thing is that they will enjoy similar things at the same time. You can do activities with them that they will both enjoy without one being bored.

caityr

Its so tough. I think 3-4 years is great but the reality is if I was to do it again it should be sooner than later based on my craptastic eggs. I really think like pp said all age differences have good and bad points.

Waiting4baby08

I think that sounds like the age most people aim for.  Due to IF and high risk pregnancy Gwen will be at least 3 or older and that sounds perfect for us.  I am looking forward to spending more alone time with Gwen and hopefully it means that she will be old enough for preschool or day actities so I can get alone time with the new baby too.

dana316

Ask me in September...and hopefully I'll be able to tell you that 22 months is perfect

 

laura1

DS and DD are 15 months apart.  It is/was tough, but I honestly can't imagine having a newborn when DS is this age now (almost 2).  When he was 15 months, he didn't know any better.  He had no jealousy, and just went about his business.  Now, I could see him being jealous and having issues (when I give DD kisses, he says his name and comes running over for kisses of his own).  

But he also loves his sister - after he gets his kisses, he says her name - because it is her turn for kisses.  When she drops her paci, he comes running over to give it to her.  When he wakes up from his nap, DD and I go in to get him and he yells her name with a big smile on his face.  And she loves him - he can always make her smile and laugh.  

As pp said, there are probably pluses and minuses to each age difference, but I like our spacing - even though it was not planned at all!