Going from 2 to 3 kids...

BabyCakes3

DS is 15 months & DD is 3 yo.

Would it be easier when they are 2 & 4 or 3 & 5?

I think I've decided for sure that I want another. DH is still on the fence but mostly for it. I'm not quite ready yet but I'm curious... Will it be easier if they are a little older? DD would be in school if we waited one more year. But I sort of like them closer in age.

IYO, what are the pros & cons?

jason&robin

Currently, DS is 4 and DD is 2. She will be 2.5 when #3 is born and I am very happy with that. It was nice having the first 2 only 21 months apart. I think it was easier for DS to adjust to a baby sister since he was younger. Now, I am glad they are older because they are a bit more self sufficient. DD will be in preschool in the fall so it won't be too long before 2 of the 3 kids have some interaction out of the home.

HarrietNJMommy

DD#1 was 3y1m and DD#2 was 19 months when DS was born. They are essentially all 1.5 years apart (18 and 19 months respectively). I'm not gonna lie, it was HARD. VERY HARD for me to transition from 2 to 3 kids, BECAUSE of their age span.

Now that DD#1 is 6, DD#2 is 4.5 and DS is almost 3, it's gotten WAY easier.

There are pros and cons for every age difference.

GL! 

KristinKD

I agree that there are pros and cons for different age differences.

My girls are 28 months apart, and that age difference has been great for us. I'd be happy to get pregnant now and have the same age difference, but for a few reasons we've decided to wait a little longer before having another. If all goes to plan, our girls would be 5 and almost 3.

I realized this means that next fall I'll have two days a week where both girls are in preschool which means I'll have those mornings all to myself which I imagine will be heaven -- or more likely spent running errands. lol. Unfortunately it will be short-lived since we hope to have another by the following winter, but I hope to enjoy it while it lasts!

shopgirl78

3 & 5

I did 2 & 4 and it sucked esp since my 2 year old was a "runner."  I was okay during the day when DD was in PreK4 but as soon as she got out it was chaos or felt like.   It was sometimes picking up DD for PreK with a newborn.  Sometime's he just cry but I HAD to pick DD up on time.  I couldn't stop and tend to him.  DS1 would have been PTed at age 3 instead I PTed him with an infant in tow. Always harder...

 

rsd12

I love the age gap of my boys (3 and 1/2 years apart from oldest to youngest, so about 21-22 months between each set).  I found it to be really easy & still do. Of course there are times have any kids is hard ; ) I love that they have similar rules, bedtimes, and interests (but then again I have 3 boys).  

I think no matter the age distance you figure out how to make it work! 

Jinsy80

I don't have three yet, but we plan on having another one when they are both in school. I couldn't deal with another baby right now!

jerol

From your post, I would vote 3 and 5.  My first two are 16 months apart.  Good god, that was hard!  When my 3rd was born they were 5 and almost 4.  It has been an easy transition!

aidopotatoesmom

I am pregnant now with number 3 and am kinda worried myself. I hope my soon to be 5 year old will settle down a little more. He has been a lot lately. My middle child will be two and a half. I am glad they are a bit further a part. I couldn't handle having more than one in diapers at a time!

bim38106

I agree w/ PP that there are pro/cons to every age different and it all depends on you and the baby(ies) personalities...

That said, IF (BIG if) we have a 3rd, DDs 1 and 2 will be 3 and 5. They are 20 months apart and while I love that age difference, I couldn't do it again. I know I would not be able to handle it. DD2 just turned 2 and boy have the "terrible 2s" hit HARD with her. Our super laid-back, easy-going baby has become very difficult. Our amazing sleeper no longer sleeps! I can't imagine having a 3rd at this point and am so thankful we decided to wait.