Is it better to have your babies closer together or farther apart?

Question

I have been on and off meds for the last 13 years for an illness I have. I have been slowly coming off them to switch to a new one. I am to buy my prescription today. I have a six month old right now and want one more child. My husband and I were thinking to wait until my girl was a year old to try for the second. I would have to come off my meds and I like to be off them for a couple of months before we start to try again. Should we just try now instead of me having to go through the slight withdrawl all over again in six months? It just seems easier right now because I am already not on meds but I am worried about having my kids too close in age. It took us two years to concieve my daughter but I have heard it sometimes happens faster with your second-did anyone find this to be true? What did people find were the pros and cons of the age differences in their children? Also anyone who wants to give input from a siblings view would be great also. Thanks for any help with my dilemma

Answer 1

I asked around a lot when trying to decide how long to wait before having a second child and the consensus I received was if you have them close together it is difficult at the beginning but easier later. Typically they got along better and were able to share in the same activities and games (how do you have game night with a 3 yr old and a 7 yr old?

The advantage to having them farther apart is the older one is more independent and can help out. Also, teen and college expenses will be spread out.

We decided to have our kids close together (1 1/2 yrs apart) because we're hoping for lifelong friendships and bonding and because it meant I could go back to work sooner.