Pros and cons: TTC edition

adorebella

I've got mild baby fever and I've been thinking a lot about what is the "best" spacing between kids. I know there is no right spacing but there are benefits to each. What I've thought of so far:

If they are close in age they may be good companions and it's a little easier to plan family activities that are age appropriate for everyone.

If they are more spaced out then you don't have multiples in diapers, the older one can be more of a help or more independent, when they are older they won't need the super expensive stuff at the same time like cars and college. Along the same lines it's more likely that hand me downs can be used because the older ones are fine with them.

Clearly my thinking leans towards more spacing but I'm wondering if there's something that could convince me otherwise since I do have that crazy baby fever. What are some other pros and cons that you know of?

Pandril19

Regarding the idea that close in age = companionship -

It's certainly anecdotal and not research, but my brother and I are 4 years apart in age.  We've been best friends since about age 7 and 3.   We both credit a HUGE part of t

zyas

MissMusic:

Just because there are a few years between them does not mean they won't be companions.  My friend and her sis

apollonia10

It depends on the kids. Developmentally, 2-3 years is ideal, and that's what we're shooting for. My sisters and I are exactly 2 years, 9 months apart, and it's interesting. I'm the oldest, and my middle sister and I were very close when we were kids becau

nesenotes

I'm having the same mental debate. My H wants to wait because he wants to enjoy Emery. But I know in the end he will do whatever I want. My sister and I are 3 years apart. We played together but for the most part I thought she was sooooooo annoying and

lewispm

I also have baby fever pretty bad. My pros and cons:

Pros: Curing my baby fever (lol), getting the baby stage over and done with while I'm young, being younger when they move out on their own, re-using most of my baby gear before it is outdated/r

Pandril19

My preferred timing would be to wait until E is ~3yo and then start TTC, however I'm older than I had planned to be starting my family, so will likely start TTC at ~2yo instead.

ral1985

Double the daycare fees when you have 2 under school age.  It's basically another mortgage payment.

jenikas

Our goal is to have our next little one close to Audrey's 3rd birthday. Pretty much all the lifestyle/kids raising pros and cons have been mentioned, but I have read a few studies and think that waiting is better healthwise, too, for both mama and baby

cwm11985

Fwiw my SILs are 9 years apart and are great friends!

sasa625

My girls are 3 years apart, which is what we wanted, and I love this age gap. We've been able to ease into having 2 because DD1 is able to play independently and can get her own snacks, toys, etc out. She can also understand when she needs to wait a minut

C&Csmommy

I can give a little insight as my first 2 are exactly 2 and a half years apart! My second 2 will be 13 and a half months apart and quite frankly I'm scare ishless!

Pros: they do entertain each other, they are into most of the same things dev

TMNTgirl

My boys are 20 months apart - I found out I was pregnant about 2 weeks after DS1 turned 1.

The first few months (maybe 6-7) were rough. I'm not sure if having two close in age made it that way or if it is just my general distaste for t

junebug1027

For my family I prefer closer together. I would ideally like 2 years or a little more because I would like 3 or 4 children and don't want to be too old when we're done.

I think you will always find someone to support either side of this one.

adorebella

MissMusic:

Just because there are a few years between them does not mean they won't be companions.  My friend and her sis

adorebella

Pandril19:

Regarding the idea that close in age = companionship -

It's certainly anecdotal and not research, but my b

adorebella

dbliesmer:

MissMusic:<

adorebella

JodieLyn10:

We are not spacing ours out mainly because we're old farts and we don't want to be decrepid when out kids are in H

myluckypig

Mine are almost 2 years apart to the day.  June 22nd and June 24th.

Here are my pros and cons.

Pros:
-Getting the baby stuff all done with at the same time.

-They will play together

-Eventually family vacations will be

britbratjf

myluckypig:

Mine are almost 2 years apart to the day. nbsp;June 22nd and June 24th.Here are my pros and cons.Pros:Getting the baby

sarahandeddiejune212008

My girls are 22 months apart.  We had orginally planned for 2 1/2 years, but #2 came as a surprise.  I do wish they were a little farther apart.  Having a baby in the house has made potty training a nightmare because #1 wants the attenti