Next baby

We were thinking when our baby is 3 because we don’t want a huge age gap but honestly just thinking on do it everything again (and with a toddler) makes me feel overwhelmed 😅 At the same time I can’t wait for giving him a brother/sister…I’m so confused! xx

2nd one is due in March.. wish me luck 😂🫠🙈

My first was born 21/11/21 and second 16/1/24. So my boy was just shy of 2yr 2m when his sister was born. There have been a lots of up and downs, and there are times where it can be VERY overwhelming having two kids be so dependant on you both physically but also emotionally. And with him being so young it’s hard to get him to be gentle with her, but it’s 99% of the time him trying to hug or kiss her really hard and being too affectionate. But they’re thick as thieves, and he’s always been able to make her smile and laugh, more so that us parents most of the time! But there is also the fact that the baby is ‘forced’ into the toddlers schedule so it’s been hard for her naps etc. I’d personally say it was the pregnancy with a 17-26m old that was the hardest part. I had severe PGP so running around and picking him up was really really brutal. And I was super fatigued and had heartburn so it was just generally not fun. Add working full time on top of that, safe to say I was feeling rough😅

But it just really depends on your personal situation with how your current baby is, how much support you have from a partner etc. My partner has been amazing, as my boy is in the grand scheme of things quite chill and easy going, but my baby girl is… a character 🥴 had it been the other was round and she was first, we may have waited that little bit longer to have a second lol. I love her sassy personality but she’s very intense for both good and bad. I’m very happy with how it’s worked out for us. And I’m not completely put off a third but I’ve said both kids would have to be in school - as said previous I couldn’t do another pregnancy with toddler(s) 😮‍💨

2.5y age gap, it’s been hard and I’ve absolutely been overwhelmed and overstimulated. It’s a constant juggling act. But it’s absolutely worth it. They love eachother so much! My eldest is just the best brother, absolutely dotes on the baby, and the baby’s face lights up when his brother is around, he just wants to be with him and play with him all the time. I just know they’re going to be so close. I would not have managed well with a smaller age gap- but there’s so many factors that influence how easy or hard it is!!

There’s 3.5 years between my eldest and youngest. Wasn’t planned as number 2 was a surprise but it’s been brilliant. Big one is big enough she can understand if mummy just needs a minute to deal with something, but also loves her baby sister more than anything and loves helping. Also meant we only had one in nappies as the eldest was toilet trained, and one lot of sleepless nights rather than both of them being up. My eldest was a really hard work, high needs baby. I was terrified of doing it all again, but number 2 is so easy going 😄.

January 😂😅 there will be just over 12 months between them.

I feel like there is no perfect age gap! We fell pregnant 18 months after our first but unfortunately it ended in miscarriage. We then started properly trying and then it then took years to get our 2nd! I feel like I wasn’t present for years and constantly consumed by trying for the 2nd and medical intervention. There’s almost 8 years between our girls but it works well! She’s older and we never ask her for help, but my Jan baby absolutely adores her. She’s the only one who can get a full belly laugh from her instantly without trying. I feel like I’m doing everything all over again but I wouldn’t change it 🥹

2.5 years for us and it’s been great so far! First six weeks of breastfeeding was my toughest period, as I felt I couldn’t be there for my eldest in the ways that I wanted to with a baby glued to my boob. But as breastfeeding got easier and I had more time back, everything got better for us. I love hanging out with the two of them - they get on well, my eldest likes to help out, my youngest is constantly entertained by his big bro! My only recommendation would be to make sure you have nursery established for your eldest by the time the baby comes. It was essential for my sanity, and giving me some one on one time with the baby.