What should be siblings ideal age gap?

May 30, 2023February 6, 2024 - by Aarshiya Jaidka - 13 Comments.

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After having your first child, you gradually start to consider having more children. When is the greatest time to have another child. You might think if you’ve already made up your mind to have one. Is there a perfect age difference for siblings?

There is truly no one optimal moment to have another kid. Despite the amount of thought and anxiety parents put into the decision. Just as there are advantages and disadvantages to having children spread farther apart. There are advantages and disadvantages to having children spaced closely together. Everything relies on the dynamics of your unique family and what you can or desire for your family.

You can be forced to limit your family to one child due to rising costs, the mother’s health. Or your personal preferences. However, this choice might be jeopardized if a sibling demands it, if there is familial pressure, or even if you decide to change your mind.

The optimal age gap between the two children is frequently a concern for couples planning to have a second child. In spite of the fact that this is a completely personal choice that may be influenced by a number of factors, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want a healthy mother and kid.

Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of having children that are close together and those that are separated apart:

12 to 18 Month Age Gap between siblings

In general, younger siblings exhibit less sibling rivalry and play well together, which is something many parents appreciate. The first child is still too small to have established a strong sense of identity or jealousy, which is the reason for this.

They are happy to have a playmate. In order to condense all of the sacrifices and work that go into raising small children into one time period, parents also believe that having another kid during the first two years is the ideal time. One parent may choose to stay at home with the kids until they start school if the kids are close in age.

This can reduce the expense of child care, and if and when the parent decides to return to the workforce, it will be simpler for them to adjust to life as a working parent because they will have been out of it for a shorter period of time.

The intensive requirements of babies and toddlers as well as the physical toll on mothers’ bodies are disadvantages of having children close in age. Two small children mean two diaper changes, two children who might not sleep through the night and two children to potty train. Everything is doubled, but after that, everything is finished.

The physical toll on the mother’s body could also be difficult to bear. She might still be nursing, but her body is still healing from the previous birth. Your first child could have to be weaned before you’re ready.

Age difference of two years

For the health of the unborn child, many obstetricians advise waiting at least 18 months before trying to conceive again. The drawback is that you will be in the middle of the “Terrible Twos” as a result.

During this time, sibling rivalry is at its height, and parents are frequently already dealing with a toddler who is forging a distinct sense of self and who adores the word “No!”

On the plus side, as the kids get older, a 2-year age difference works out very nicely. They are old enough to get along and have fun playing together, but they also each have their own hobbies and personalities.

Three Years and more Older

When siblings are separated by three years or more, sibling rivalry is much less likely to occur. The older child has grown more self-assured and independent. Additionally, the mother’s body has fully recovered from the challenges of pregnancy and giving birth to the first child.

The bigger age gap enables parents to spend more time with each child separately and provides the opportunity to return to work, if desired. Children may not play as well together when they are this far apart, especially when they are younger. You’ll have to restart just when you thought you were finished with diapers, overnight feedings, potty training, and other things of the sort.

The choice of when to have a second kid is just as private and individual as when to have your first child. Asking yourself the following questions can help you make a decision. Be honest with yourself regarding your feelings and your capacity.
What are you feeling? How do the parents feel about having just one child? Are you able to care for a newborn again, both physically and emotionally?
Which Financial Impact Will It Have? Are you able to afford to have more kids? Can you afford to pay for two kids in crèche if you need it? One of you will you stay at home from work? If so, how long will it be and can you survive on only one income at that time?

Further:

Your partner and you both agree, right? Does your partner desire to have more children? Being in agreement with one another is crucial. You should both be prepared to welcome a new child.
What Age Are You? Sometimes our advancing years force us to have kids sooner than we’d prefer. The window for having another child is rapidly shrinking if Mom is above 35 and her fertility is declining. You have more time to spread out having children if you are in your 20s or early 30s without having to worry as much about fertility issues.

As you can see, there are a lot of considerations when deciding whether to have more children. The ideal moment may not be ideal for your sister, friend, or neighbour. As you plan for your upcoming pregnancy, consider your current family circumstances and how things are currently going.