Age gaps between babies
When it comes to age gaps between babies, there is no right or wrong answer.
You are the best judge of when the time is right. Ask yourself whether you’re ready for another baby, both emotionally and physically. Your body needs time to recover from the first birth and you and your partner should make sure you spend quality time with one another before those sleepless nights reappear.
How will another baby fit in with your life? Coping with one baby is easy enough – you can probably still visit friends, use public transport and afford to go on holiday – two changes the dynamic of your family and makes it harder to live a flexible lifestyle. On the other hand, if the gap between your babies is too large your age might mean you’re less likely to conceive quickly, so this too has to be taken into consideration. As far as your children are concerned, siblings may not be as close to one another if the gap is five years or more, as they won’t be at school together.
But despite every well thought out plan, pregnancies and babies don’t tend to follow rules. You might find yourself pregnant very soon after you’ve had your first, or it might be ten years before you’re expecting your second. Every aspect of having a baby is unpredictable.
Will my babies be bigger with each pregnancy?
Subsequent pregnancies do tend to result in larger babies, but not always. If you had a big baby the first time around and are worried about the second, discuss your fears with your doctor or midwife. See will subsequent babies be bigger? for more information.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 02/05/2007
Related Chat 86
i have just discovered i am pregnant for the 3rd time however my 2 boys will be just over 14 years and 10 years old by the time number 3 arrives so big gap! i am a little nervous about "starting again" but have been assured its like riding a bike and it'll all come back to me!!!
Hey hun
I know how you feel. I have 2 daughters from previous marriage who are going to be 12 and 10 when my baby is born in April 2010. This is my partners first child ( we been together 5 yrs almost ) and hes frightened hes going to be left behind! Ive told him noooo way cos Im going to need a refresh lol Least Ive got at least 1 baby sitter hehehe xx
i have just discovered i am pregnant for the 3rd time however my 2 boys will be just over 14 years and 10 years old by the time number 3 arrives so big gap! i am a little nervous about "starting again" but have been assured its like riding a bike and it'll all come back to me!!!
My cousin's friend, Sandra, has got five children: Luke, 16, Jaimey, 13, Kaelan, 10, and Rebekkah, 5. Luke is still as protective over his siblings as he has always been. He claims to be looking forward to the day when he can chase off Jaimey's boyfriends. She doesn't seem to be too worried about it. But, even though these siblings are years apart, they all help each other and all of them are helping Rebekkah with her reading.
Sandra said: "With your first two children, I'd recommend having them roughly three to four years apart, so that your 1st child can get involved with the 2nd one (feeding, playing etc...) and, if you want more, having them within one to two years apart (either the 2nd child to the 3rd, or the 3rd child to the 4th) because then you get siblings who can go through the same sorts of things as each other and alwas have them by their side."
I agree, so it's really up to you. Good Luck and please update me so I know how you're doing x
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