Need Advice from Exp mamas!

[maggiebella25]

Hello ladies! I currently have a 10 month old and my dh and I are wanting to start TTC number 2. If it happened right away the babies would be around 20 months apart. I am not sugar coating this. I want some real life advice on how it is raising babies 20 months apart. Pros and cons. I have a lot of flack coming my way from people that it is too soon. But we feel its right.

[julie.smith]

My middle girls are 17 months apart. It was hard when they were little, but now it is really cool to see how close they are. Of course, they fight more than my other kids do. But they have a really special bond too. Having kids really close together is difficult, but it's also amazing. If you think you can handle it. When they are little it's a lot of running around after them. Whatever you decide to do, good luck! I have 6 kids and am adopting my 7th, so if you ever want to talk... just message me!

[Georgie0502]

It'g going to depend on your kids specifically, but here's what my experience has been like....

My kids are 15 months apart. DS was a surprise and I was terrified of having 2 under 2. My DD was such a momma's girl, attached to me 24/7 so I just knew that it was going to be hell with a newborn and her. I talked to her all the time about the baby, she would listen to my belly asnd give it kisses and talk to it. From the moment he was born, she changed completely. She was now all about him. She loves to help and she's more than happy to share her time with him. I find ways to include her. I.e. reading to her while he nurses. They NEVER fight and have a really great bond. She's now 22 months and he's 7 months.

Now from a different perspective... My brother and I are 20 months apart. We're really close, always have been. I was very bossy towards him growing up, but we never fought. In fact I think we've had 3 fights total.

While I didn't choose the age difference, I do feel like it's a really great one. From what I hear the more distance between the kids, the less likely they are to get along. My only regret is that my DD didn't get her time to just be the baby.

[marywilliams]

I have two "babies", 18 months apart.  Caroline is 19 months and Samuel is one month.  It's been hectic, but not too bad.  I have to admit, Caroline's adjustment has been easier than expected.  She's very interested in her brother and wants to help.  I try to encourage it as much as possible to avoid jealousy.  I also make time to spend with her both with and without the baby.  Two in diapers (we use cloth) is not that bad, it's the errands that are hard for me.  Getting them both in and out of the car is a lot of work.  I usually wait until my husband can join us so we can each take one.

[Loolibelle]

 Well, pros are that they play together, they will be close and have a defined relationship. Cons, you will not get to nap when the new baby naps because of the other youngster. As soon as you get out of one terrible two stage you will be starting a whole nother one with the new baby. You will be buying diapers for two... expensive. Your toddler will be going through a time where he or she is testing boundaries and pushing your buttons to get at your last nerve and then you will have a screaming newborn that demands all of your attention so that the toddler has to take a backseat and gets away with more than he or she usually would which causes behavior issues in the long run. You will get no sleep. Period. Twice the doctor's appointments because babies need a lot of shots and your first is going to have to have a few more trips before he or she is cleared until age 4. If you are packed full of patience and are prepared to have no time for yourself for the sake of your children, I say go for it. We did because I have health issues that may not let me have another baby later on in life. Ours will be exactly 2 years apart. If you are still not getting the hang of your first baby and have trouble meeting all his needs or have low tollerance for whining or not that much patience... I do not recommend at all.

[Charlibabe]

 Well I have babies 21 months apart. =) and It wasnt planned. My daughter was 21 months when the twins were born. It was hard at first! No sleep at all but it wasnt unbearable either. Brooklynn is actually a big help with her siblings. One big issue we are having now is potty training. Brooky doesnt want to she is 27 months now but all kids are different I say if you are ready to go for it you can definatly do it if you want to! =D