Too close together? Too far apart? What is the secret formula for when to have baby number two?
We just celebrated our daughter’s first birthday. As the cake finally settles in our bellies and is scraped off the floor, my husband and I start talking about baby number two. Baby number two has always been in the plan, but when has raised many questions. Let’s hear from both sides of the argument on whether or not we’re talking about this too soon or need to get-a-going.
Reasons to hold off on baby number two:
• My reaction to hearing Jessica Simpson is pregnant again? “She’s crazy.”
• The smell of spit up has finally escaped my nostrils.
• I can go drinking with the ladies and not have to pump and dump.
• Sleeping through the night is the new norm.
• I’m starting to reclaim my body…finally!
• I gave up the diaper bag for *gasp* a real purse.
• The last pair of elastic stretch maternity pants has been stowed away. Buttons, snaps and zippers are back!
• Two on one is a good ratio. Having my husband to help me with one kid is a big plus.
Reasons to go ahead and have baby number two:
• The baby stuff is still out…just go for it.
• The lack of sleep in the beginning was a blur, it must’ve not been that bad (famous last words, I’m sure).
• The maternity clothes are much more forgiving (elastic isn’t so bad, right?).
• I’ll start the exercise regiment after baby number two. No really, this time I will…
• I loved being pregnant. Felt so great throughout the entire time…sans the swollen kankles (this may not help my argument)
• Nothing beats snuggling with a newborn. Even when they are spitting up on you.
• Ah, the new baby smell. No, I don’t mean point number one under “reasons to hold off…”
What is your Smarty advice for baby number two? Go for it? Wait a while?
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12 comments
Totally go for it!!! It’ll be a tough first six months but it will all be worth it :-).
Go for it! I was the crazy one like Jessica Simpson… it was a surprise to me as well…not planned. My girls are 13 months apart. It was crazy at first, but they play together now and love eachother so much!! I wouldn’t change a thing! Yes, one is much easier than two…but so worth it! Now we are expecting number 3….this should be interesting! 🙂
Thanks Cindy! Congratulations on number 3 and good luck! 🙂
Our daughters are 4 years apart (was not planned that way at all) and initially I was worried they would be too far apart, would they play? Be close? Obviously God knew better because my 2 girls are so very close, they do play together yet they are far enough apart to never be jealous or competitive of the other.
I was able to savor our first daugther more because of the time I had with her those first few years and then was able to savor our second daugther while our older one was in school. I am surprised at how perfect it really turned out.
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer! My sister and I are three years apart and are BFFs (as the kids say today). Good point about being able to spend quality time with number 2 while number 1 is in school! I love my time with my daughter now and want to be able to have that time with the next baby.
Absolutely! I’d say a full year is plenty of time to wait between children – it’s best to get them all out of the way in a good 6 year span! 🙂
One year old’s are very easy but this changes by the time they hit 18 to 24 months. By the time you have baby #2, your first child will be in full-on toddler mode. You might have loved being pregnant the first time around but it is a different experience when you have a small child to take care of. This goes double for having a newborn with a toddler. There is something to be said for having your oldest potty trained before you have another set of diapers to change.
My girls are *exactly* two years apart, and I love it. The first year is HARD, do not let anyone tell you otherwise, but once they get a little older, it’s all worth it.
I just had my second and my girls are 14.5 months apart. It’s not that bad. Feeding time is the same, bed time routine we do together…such as bath time and night clothes, then reading books. It’s easier than I thought it was going to be. Plus being so close together, they can grow up good friends…..and no my second was not planned!
Thanks Whitney and congratulations! I love the idea of them growing up together and being buddies!!
Congrats for making it through year 1! Your timing is great, because I’ve been thinking about this a lot latelyl. My daughter turned two exactly one week after my son was born (this past August). If I could do it over again, I would have waited another 6month or so. The patience of my particular 2 year old is just non-existent. The more your older one can play independently and understand “wait a minute, Mommy’s hands are full”, the better! When we were deciding when to start trying for #2, I thought it would be better to have them closer together so that my older one wouldn’t be too accustomed to having us all to herself and then taking that away. But, I’m not sure another 6 months of 2-on-1 time would have hurt. Also, age 1 is great, but like Melissa said above, 18-24 months is a tough time and not the greatest time to be REALLY pregnant. I’m now waiting until my son is 2 to even start thinking about #3. That being said, babies are a blessing, and no matter what you decide it’ll have it’s ups and downs. Good Luck!!
Thank you, Brienne! And congratulations on your second!! It sure is amazing what six months could get you. Our little ones change so much in such a little period of time. Thank you for your insight and good luck planning for number three! So exciting!!!