What's it like having babies really close?

BetsyDavis

I just found out baby number 3 is on it's way. My latest baby just hit 3 months so I'm kind of freaking out about how close they will be. If anyone could share what it was like having babies within a year of each other I really appreciate it! With my oldest we hit two years few months after DD2 was born so we were barely two under two so it wasn't to bad but now we will be 3 under 3 I'm kind of scared for my sanity.

stacey86

Cant really tell you how it is because my DD#2 isnt here yet but I am in the same boat as you with two in a year.

firsttogo

Our second and third were just under 10 months apart. It was unusual for us in that DD was 7 weeks premature, so she was in the NICU for a few weeks, and that made the transition home a little harder, but honestly, adding our third was WAY easier to me than having our second! I had a hard time adjusting to baby 2, but by number 3, I was already outnumbered. 

Having them so close made the pregnancy a little more exhausting, but other than that, I LOVE their spacing. My DS2 was not walking for a while, so things like going to the store took a bit of planning like parking near the carts so I did not have to leave the kids alone, ect.

You will have a great time! Just try to remain as relaxed as possible, and let some things slide for a while! 

kagl04

My 2 are 13.5 months apart, so just over a year. I love having them so close! DD showed no jealousy towards DS and she loves him so much! Pregnancy was easy because my DD till napped 2x's a day for most of it. She also didn't start walking until 2 weeks before DS was born, so I was never chasing after a toddler. She started STTN at 13 months as well, so that was helpful.

Being pregnant 2 years in a row was tough and I am so over it! I feel like I was pregnant forever! But we are just shy of a month in of 2u2 and we are loving it! Each day is easier and we've settled into a nice routine. I can't remember DS not being here. Good luck and congrats!!

SamsMom11

I am freaking out also.  Very worried about my mental health.  I had major 3rd trimester and post partum depression.  I am having a hard time imagining dealing with that with a 11 month old.  Not to mention I am 42 years old!!  YIKES!!  Sounds like we need a 2 under 1 board!

smerka

Mine are just over 11 months apart.  I don't know any different so I can't say whether it's harder or easier than other spacing.  It was nice that #1 wasn't mobile for most of the pregnancy.  I had some PPD after my first but was way more prepared for it and the second was so much easier.  I also had some help for the first couple months which was invaluable.  Best gift ever from my parents.   This board is really supportive.  And you can do it whether you think you can or not.  Mostly because you don't really have a choice.  You will survive it.  And maybe even enjoy it.

juliane2004

I wish mine were closer. Seriously, I love it.

No jealousy and friends really quickly.

MsUnorganized

It's scary, but you can do it!  I had 3u1, and while it was (and still is sometimes) challenging, it's so worth it.  As long as everyone is fed and moderately happy at the end of the day, I call that day a success.  I don't have as much time to play on the computer or do things around the house, but that's ok.  

Just take one day at a time.  Good luck! 

BetsyDavis

Thank you guys. No jealousy would be nice. DD1 was a nightmare the first few weeks DD2 was home. Now she is my biggest helper but she was horrible at first. I couldn't do anything right at first with her. She was so upset I quit BF so my FI could take over feedings.

kcisthebombdotcom

juliane2004:

I wish mine were closer. Seriously, I love it.

No jealousy and friends really quickly.

Agreed. Now that they're older, I can teach them together. I can read them the same books. All their toys are on the same level and they can do them together. It's not having a bunch of toys for a 4 year old that my mobile infant can't get into.

StephCripps

smerka:

Mine are just over 11 months apart.  I don't know any different so I can't say whether it's harder or easier than other spacing.  It was nice that #1 wasn't mobile for most of the pregnancy.  I had some PPD after my first but was way more prepared for it and the second was so much easier.  I also had some help for the first couple months which was invaluable.  Best gift ever from my parents.   This board is really supportive.  And you can do it whether you think you can or not.  Mostly because you don't really have a choice.  You will survive it.  And maybe even enjoy it.

My two are going to be 11 months appart too..

etude de la vie

Overall I think close spacing is easy for the kids and hard on you. 

DD had NO jealousy, the are instantly friends, no sharing issues, and DS fit right into our routine and family.

Harder on me: At the end of pg my body was worn-out, nursing failed this time around (mastitis 5x in 3 months) because my body was just so stressed/sleep deprived/dehydrated, sometime when everyone is falling apart at the same time I feel like I am going to loose my mind but the waters soon calm back down and everyone is happy again. 

The first 4 months were really hard but now its great...even with both mobile.