If you had two under two and then had a third

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First gap 18 months.
Second gap 23 months.

Then we had a 4th 13 months later. While I wouldn't recommend that we solved the problem of the 3rd one feeling left out.

This is interesting. Our first two are 19 months apart, we definitely want a third, and possibly a fourth. The thing that's holding us back is my age - I'm 37. So HUGE gaps of like 3+ years are clearly not an option. If you were going to have a fourth, and you knew you didn't have a ton of time, in retrospect, what age gaps would you have done? More even? Stick with a slightly bigger middle gap but leave a little more breathing room before the fourth?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First gap 18 months.
Second gap 23 months.

Then we had a 4th 13 months later. While I wouldn't recommend that we solved the problem of the 3rd one feeling left out.

This is interesting. Our first two are 19 months apart, we definitely want a third, and possibly a fourth. The thing that's holding us back is my age - I'm 37. So HUGE gaps of like 3+ years are clearly not an option. If you were going to have a fourth, and you knew you didn't have a ton of time, in retrospect, what age gaps would you have done? More even? Stick with a slightly bigger middle gap but leave a little more breathing room before the fourth?

Omg, so interesting to read this. We had 2 under two and stopped!! You all are brave to keep going!

[Anonymous]

My first two children are 21 months apart. The third child is 2.5 years younger than number 2.

BUT
My husband was in the military at the time and deployed for about 9 months when it was the first two. I got pregnant with number 3 the night he came back from deployment. I'm pretty sure if he hadn't been gone, I would have got pregnant sooner.

[Anonymous]

21 months between 1&2
3 years between 2&3
21 months between 3&4

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:4 years and I am SO SO SO glad. My third is 10 weeks old now.

My first two are 18 months apart.
Now they are 5.5 and 4. Baby is 10 weeks.

I’m loving life. Older boys play together all day and do their own thing. Middle boy isn’t jealous of baby because he just does his own thing or plays with brother.

By contrast, my good friend had her third at the same time but her kids are 4, 2, and 10 weeks.

My life is 100% easier, at least for now.

+1 I have pretty much the exact same spread with my 3 boys, and so happy. The 4 year age gap btw 2 and 3 made my third’s baby years so enjoyable snd easy compared to when I had 2 under two. My boys are all older now, and all 3 get along great.

[Anonymous]

20 months between the first two
2.5 years between #2-#3

[Anonymous]

Gaps were 20 and 21 months apart, my oldest was 3.5 when the 3rd was born. I'll note we did NOT plan on having a third but my birth control options were limited due to my blood clotting disorder. Anyway, it was crazy crazy for a while and 5 years later my sleep deprivation is finally lifted.

Totally wrecked my body though to have them that close together. My mid section still hasn't really healed. I still have a triangle shape (indicating a diastisis recti) if I try and do a sit up type motion. Of course YMMV!

[Anonymous]

About 7 minutes. #2 and #3 are twins. I do not suggest this to anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:4 years and I am SO SO SO glad. My third is 10 weeks old now.

My first two are 18 months apart.
Now they are 5.5 and 4. Baby is 10 weeks.

I’m loving life. Older boys play together all day and do their own thing. Middle boy isn’t jealous of baby because he just does his own thing or plays with brother.

By contrast, my good friend had her third at the same time but her kids are 4, 2, and 10 weeks.

My life is 100% easier, at least for now.

+1 I have pretty much the exact same spread with my 3 boys, and so happy. The 4 year age gap btw 2 and 3 made my third’s baby years so enjoyable snd easy compared to when I had 2 under two. My boys are all older now, and all 3 get along great.

Good to know!

[Anonymous]

Gap between #1 and #2 was 23 months. Gap between #2 and #3 was a little more than 7 years. It took me that long to get off the fence about having a third! #3 is in my arms now and he's wonderful. His two big siblings adore him and are a huge help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:About 7 minutes. #2 and #3 are twins. I do not suggest this to anyone.

LOL. I had a surprise #2, born 15 mos after #1. Twins run in my family and I was terrified for those first couple weeks until an u/s that it might be twins!

[Anonymous]

I remember reading a book when DC was a baby saying that 36 months was the ideal age gap, in terms of being able to devote time/energy/attention, and thus lessen sibling rivalry. I think it was Burton White.

Given that my parents chose to have children thiscloseinage, that recommendation made sense to me.

Obviously, many factors to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First gap 18 months.
Second gap 23 months.

Then we had a 4th 13 months later. While I wouldn't recommend that we solved the problem of the 3rd one feeling left out.

This is interesting. Our first two are 19 months apart, we definitely want a third, and possibly a fourth. The thing that's holding us back is my age - I'm 37. So HUGE gaps of like 3+ years are clearly not an option. If you were going to have a fourth, and you knew you didn't have a ton of time, in retrospect, what age gaps would you have done? More even? Stick with a slightly bigger middle gap but leave a little more breathing room before the fourth?

PP you quoted here. I actually thought the ones closer together were easier. I was in the weeds already so adding in another didn't seem that hard. I do find 18 month olds a bit of terrorists so that with a newborn was the hardest for me.

Good luck-- have 4.

[Anonymous]

The 3 are each 21 months apart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First gap was 21 months. Second gap was 30 months.

Exact same

20 months and 30 months here.

Same!