having babys close together

Erica - posted on 04/13/2011

my kids are 21 months and 9 months, they are a year and 8 days apart. its no where near as hard as i expected it to be. I definitely have hard days, but overall its great. they are friends now, and play together!

Emily - posted on 10/21/2009

my kids are all close together aged 12 , 11 and 9 and it turned out fine 4 me take no notice x

Lindsey - posted on 10/21/2009

I have 2 boys. I got pregnant with my second when my first was 10 mo. So they are 19 mo. apart. Routine is a big part in making it through the day at our house. You will have your ups and downs but all in all it's a lot of fun! I enjoy watching them play together and interact. They teach each other so much! Good Luck!! You will be fine!

Sabrina - posted on 10/21/2009

Hi, I know exactly where you are. I found out that I was pregnant again when my son was almost 7 months old. They are 15 months apart to the day. They are 19 months and almost 3 now.. Honestly, It is hard. Im not trying to be negative but they are both still babies and I miss the one on one time that I had with my oldest. It does get easier though.. There both boys and they like to play together alot although my oldest is pretty mean to the youngest alot. Ive been told that they will grow up to be best friend though. I wanted 2 children and Im honestly glad that I am done now and ca concentrate on raising them.. Hope things work out for you.. Best of luck :)

Desiree - posted on 10/21/2009

My husband and I are also trying to get pregnant again and Jem is only 6 months old, I think you'll be able to handle it Stef!

Quishana - posted on 10/21/2009

it can be challenging but itll all work out....trust me i was gave birth 3 yrs straight....its hard but the goods times make you forget abt the rest

Mandy - posted on 10/21/2009

i have 4 kids they are 6,5,4 and 3 they are all 11months apart, its not that hard but when the have tantrums at the same time it gets a bit hectic. good luck and congrats.

Alyce - posted on 10/20/2009

i have 3. Elizabeth 3 Katheine 2 and Nathaniel will be 1 in december. 1 and 2 are 17 1/2 months apart and 2 and 3 are only 13 1/2 months apart. its difficult at times but i have found that routine is really best we dont have a real strict routine but we all wake at the same time nap at the same time bathe at the same time and then my favorite they all go to bed at the same time. im a stay at home mom so we do have days where the schedule gets thrown out the window and we do something super fun and they all seem to do okay. its not always easy but totally do-able! i love them all more then the salt in the sea but i did get an IUD after the 3rd one! lol the next one will have to wait a few years cause were getting out of the baby stage and a baby break sounds nice! good luck to you!!! 2s a breeze when you have 3! your going to do GREAT!!! congrats! let me know how it works out for you!

Amanda - posted on 10/20/2009

This was really encouraging to read- my husband and i want our children close together, our first is 14 weeks now, and my husband decided that he didn't want me to go on birth control, which is fine with me, im really looking forward to getting pregnant again- you all have been such an inspiration. Well wish me luck TTC #2

Brynn - posted on 10/20/2009

i have 3 daughters.. my oldest just turned 5 and she was 3 1/2 when my middle daughter was born and when she was 6 months old i found out i was pregnant. my youngest is now 4 months old.. my middle daughter and my youngest daughter were supposed to be 15 months apart but ended up being 14months and 1 weeks apart.. its really not that bad. i old have problems when the baby wakes up or starts getting while putting my 18month old down for a nap or to bed.. i love having them close togther though because when my middle daughter was born, my oldest told it really babdly cause she ruled the house for over 3 yrs and knew what it was like to have mommy all to herself..

Brynn - posted on 10/20/2009

i have 3 daughters.. my oldest just turned 5 and she was 3 1/2 when my middle daughter was born and when she was 6 months old i found out i was pregnant. my youngest is now 4 months old.. my middle daughter and my youngest daughter were supposed to be 15 months apart but ended up being 14months and 1 weeks apart.. its really not that bad. i old have problems when the baby wakes up or starts getting while putting my 18month old down for a nap or to bed.. i love having them close togther though because when my middle daughter was born, my oldest told it really babdly cause she ruled the house for over 3 yrs and knew what it was like to have mommy all to herself..

Donna - posted on 10/20/2009

if that's true I don't want to know what i am in for lol mine are 11 months apart. because i have a little guy in the NICU that was born at 26 weeks gestation. :-) don't worry about it it will be challenging i am sure but a great road. it can't be any more difficult then having twins.

Brittany - posted on 10/20/2009

Having kids close together can be a huge blessing and it can also be difficult at times. I have two daughters who are ten months apart and am currently pregnant again with a third child. This will make the second and third right at a year apart. I'm looking forward to seeing how close they are as they grow up! You'll have a blast!

Vicki - posted on 10/20/2009

I had my first kid last year Aug 28, 2008 and I had my second this year Aug 4, 2009. It is kinda hard. I have my hands full. My son eats every 3 hrs but sleeps through the whole night which I love. My 1 yr old touches everything and he keeps me busy. Just dont leave them alone.

Cheri - posted on 10/20/2009

my girls are 11months apart it's not a nightmare they are wonderful and best friends they are 3 and 4 right now but i will say your hands will be full and you will be very busy but at the end of the day its worth a every moment and enjoy all the little things because it goes by soooooooo fast tooo fast oh and i have 7 year old and he was nohelp along the way lol good luck;)

Jaclyn - posted on 10/20/2009

Well, yes, having two kids is hard no matter what age difference! But, being they are so close together in age, you are still probably used to not getting much sleep and always tending to a baby, so when this baby is born you'll be an expert! I wanted to have children close together too but the husband did not so now my child is 3 and I'm terrified to have a newborn! You will get through it! Keep a strong mind and prove everyone wrong! :) Good luck!

April - posted on 10/20/2009

well first i would like to say that i thought the same as you. i thought have kids back to back would be the worst. but my kids are 2 3 4 so i was pregnant from 2004 to 2007...it turned out not to be that bad. im only 25 now and am i glad that my kids are all the same age range. they love to play together and keep eachother company. by the time they are old enough to take care of themselves i will still be in my late 30s. as long as you have a routine and schedule and family that supports you, you should be okay. good luck!!!

Brianne - posted on 10/20/2009

i'm in the same position. my son is 10 1/2 months old and i'm almost 5 months pregnant. i don't think it's that big of a deal. we also have a 9 and a 5 year old so i'm curious as to how my youngest two will act together because i know the older two fight all the time!!

Deborah - posted on 10/20/2009

I think your gonna have your hands full but i think it's good for the children.

Cassie - posted on 10/20/2009

i have a 6 month baby and a im 15 weeks im not sure how it will be im scared but im sure it will all work out..good luck

Cyndi - posted on 10/20/2009

i have a 2 year old and a 1yera old and they are 10 months apart its not bad having them so close together. I would say the only bad things about having them so close would be the expense of diapers. Another thing for me is that my 1 yr. old son is s rough with my 2 yr. old daughter and then come the fights but it does get easier. dont worry im sure youll do fine!!!

Christina - posted on 10/20/2009

I have two kids that are 16 months apart to the day. And Im not going to lie it is hard the first 4 months after I had my youngest I didnt know how I was going to do it all. But your mom instincts kick in and you become SUPERMOM!!! LOL you will do wonderful!!

Christina - posted on 10/20/2009

I have two kids that are 16 months apart to the day. And Im not going to lie it is hard the first 4 months after I had my youngest I didnt know how I was going to do it all. But your mom instincts kick in and you become SUPERMOM!!! LOL you will do wonderful!!

MEGAN - posted on 10/20/2009

My kids are 9 1/2 months apart. There were 2 things I found hard... getting them on the same sleep schedule and carrying them to the car! My daughter didn't walk yet so I had to carry her...the diaper bag...a carseat.....my purse...LOL...you get it. But it was only a matter of time before I figured that part out and I've had no problems since! I love my kids. Now they are 4 and 5 and it's like having twins. They learn everything together and they are best friends.

Shelley - posted on 10/20/2009

hi there. I'll soon be there as will have near enough the same gap but fair play! It's how you deal with it! I'm sure it will be tough the first while but they are little blessings! Enjoy!

Natasha - posted on 10/20/2009

i have 2 grlz 6mon & 3 in january so they are 27mon apart its really hard cuz my oldest wants 2 go back in her baby stage nd copy off her lil sister by puttin stuff in her mouth n cryin a lot so its frustratin at times but im glad cuz they will grow up close but if i could do it all over again i would wait til she got potty trained but i love it n i love ma grlz good luck!!

Kerry - posted on 10/20/2009

She is soo right ..the crying at the same time.. It took me a while to not over react to that!! ahh

Kerry - posted on 10/20/2009

My 1st Child was 15 Months old when I got pregnant with my 2nd. and my 2nd was 5 months old when I got Pregnant with my third! Sometimes its harder, but sometimes its easier.. I havent had my third yet but I am glad to raise them all up together and get the hard part over with all together!!

Victoria - posted on 10/20/2009

we have an 18 month gap between our firts 2 then a year and one day between 2nd and 3rd! people say we are mad but i love every second of it! they are so close and i never think oh i should'nt have done this! its hard work but sooooo rewarding! you just get into your own routine and you'll be fine! good luck and enjoy xx

YESENIA - posted on 10/20/2009

In the begging it was overwhelming just because I didn't have a routine down! I have a 14 mth old and a 4mth old. Both baby girls! I love them being so close in age! Its so easy since they are both using diapers, bottles... I have a little routine going. I do diapers, bottles, baths all at the same time one after the other! You will get used to it! It's awesome! I love it and I wouldn't have it any other way! You will love it! The only time it gets a little overwhelming is when they are both cry at the same time.

Don't worry it gets better with time.... I promise! :)

Rena - posted on 10/20/2009

Stefanie don't worry yourself over this. My two little girls are 18 months apart and I thought I was going to be in for a horrible time, but to be honest with you it wasn't all that bad. My oldest daughter was really jealous at first, but we started letting her help get diapers for us when it was time to change the baby, and we would let her hold the bottle when we were feeding the youngest. The best thing to do, if your oldest is walking and able to do these things, is let the older child help with as much as they can.

Nikki - posted on 10/20/2009

My first two girls were fourteen months apart. I won't lie, it was tough, at first. However, it got easier with every week that passed. Now, they are ages 6 and 7 years and I am very glad that I had them so close together. They have always had each other to play with and fight with.. lol! People will tell you about all the "bad" stuff when you have children that close, but they don't talk about the advantages.. My favorite thing about having them so close was that, when they were both to walking age, they would occupy each other and play together, which freed me up to do other things around the house. They are NEVER lonely or bored either. They have each other. Also, last year, when the younger one started Kindergarten, I knew that the older one was close by at school, it was reassuring.. You will encounter hardships, but overall, if you bear it with a smile, you will ultimately encounter joy! Here are tips: 1-Allow anyone that you trust to help you for the first few months, you will need it. 2-Sleep whenever possible, try to put the oldest one down for a nap about the time you are ready to feed the baby, that way, you are more likely to get them to both sleep at the same time. 3-Be sure and let someone else hold baby in the early days so that you can take special time with the eldest, because she will need to know that she is still important too :) 4-Most importantly, do not ever cry over spilled-milk.. in other words; DON'T sweat the small stuff! God BLESS you and your little ones!

Amanda - posted on 10/20/2009

i wish you the best of luck. my son was 9 months when i found out i was pregnant for the second time. it shocked and scared the hell out of me. however now my daughter is here almost 3 months and my son almost 21 months...and were doing just fine. its just alot of work to have 2 little ones in diapers. but my son is helpful and really loves his sister, he gives her kisses, holds her bottle, and puts her binky in her mouth. its really cute seeing them together.

Gemma - posted on 10/20/2009

i have similar age gap, yes its hard but in another way nice as when they get older they can play together. key thing... get your 9 month old well trainned in sleeping etc now coz getting up for two kids is hard core i know i have done it, i would get one asleep and then the other half hour later would get up. also having them close together means the eldest will not be jealous of the other as they have not developed jealousy at that age. Plus you will find the second easier as theyy will have to fit into your current routine.



good luck, it will be hard, itwill be fun and it will be rewarding in the end.

Claire - posted on 10/20/2009

you will surprise yourself at what you can handle when you need to one they are here you will deal with so dont worry bad days and a lot of noise are a given but you will be finne and when you see them start playing together you will know that it really is better this way x

Jasmin - posted on 10/19/2009

Stefani, I am almost 5 months pregnant with an 11 month old daughter so my babies will be 16 months apart. I know how you feel. Everyone thinks they have the right to judge. We tried for this second baby for 4 months so they could have been closer, however my husband and I feel this is a perfect age gap. Most people are supportive and positive but I also get the people who tell me I am in for a wild ride with 2 babies under 2. You never know. Every child is different so no one can tell you what you will be faced with. As an only child, I am excited that my children will be able to bond and be so close in age. They will only be a year apart in school aswell. We are planning a third one with much the same age gap also. Let people judge and think what they want. At the end of the day its your family and your decision. Good luck with bubby No 2!!

Tiffany - posted on 10/19/2009

it will be the hardest and most enjoyable time of your life! Mine are 17months apart and its not as hard as everyone said. Trust me I heard all the nightmare stories. My son adores his little sister, he brings her toys and his cup and sits there and pets her (that's his gentle touch), gives her hugs and kisses, and when she sees him she gets a huge smile on your face. now i didn't successfully breastfeed my second, while I was trying though I did notice that it did make it harder on me, seeing as your getting up in the middle of the night many many times to feed the newborn, and then the older one gets up, and your exhausted. Since she has switched to formula its been a breeze, she sleeps 8hours through the night, hes on a schedule, and their on the same nap schedule. Best advice is to definitely push the schedule! don't get stressed out and make sure you find time throughout the day to bond with each of them alone, and definitely involve the older one with the little one as much as possible, I understand 15month old are definitely not much help, but just talk to her while your changing diapers and she'll feel helpful. My son started throwing away both the diapers, I have to walk him to the trash but he likes to carry them in. And no matter how stressed you get, just remember you will live through it, other people have before you, and more will after you!

Erika - posted on 10/19/2009

i had my boys 22 months apart and wanted them closer together.i found it was easier but felt it would have been easier if they were closer together.i just got my 3 year old potty trained a few months ago and im due with my suprise 3rd in a few months and i feel like it will be starting all over again!i had two boys and from the very start they have always been very close.people tell me all the time they havent seen siblings as close as they are,they act like twins at times!my oldest was never jealous and always wanted to help and i involved him as much as possible and my midwife let him help measure and listen to "HIS" baby at all the appointments too!so my advice would just let the oldest be involve and dont make them feel like they're not your baby anymore or that your trying to replace them at all,she'll enjoy it and so will you.congrats and good luck!

Erika - posted on 10/19/2009

i had my boys 22 months apart and wanted them closer together.i found it was easier but felt it would have been easier if they were closer together.i just got my 3 year old potty trained a few months ago and im due with my suprise 3rd in a few months and i feel like it will be starting all over again!i had two boys and from the very start they have always been very close.people tell me all the time they havent seen siblings as close as they are,they act like twins at times!my oldest was never jealous and always wanted to help and i involved him as much as possible and my midwife let him help measure and listen to "HIS" baby at all the appointments too!so my advice would just let the oldest be involve and dont make them feel like they're not your baby anymore or that your trying to replace them at all,she'll enjoy it and so will you.congrats and good luck!

Kirsten - posted on 10/19/2009

My son is 21 months old and my daughter is 6 months old. They are 15 months apart. Yes occasionally it can be a nightmare but it's actually good. My son is a very loving child rather than wild and bouncy. He helps me with her and tries to take care of her, even when she was first born he would run to check on her every couple of minutes if she was sleeping or something. So far it's not so bad. I gave my daughter formula to make it easier on me. I could be waking with her every 2 hours to feed her if I was suppose to be taking care of my son also during the day, he still wakes up during the night too. I thought it would be best if we tried formula so she would sleep longer and I could sleep longer also so I couold be more awake with them. I was scared though but it turned out fine. Just discpline your oldest and then when you youngest is old enough do it too her too so they dont become wild. I started timeout at 1 year old. 2 minutes after being warned 2 twice. Good luck! I'm sure you can do it!

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Kelly - posted on 10/19/2009

My 2yr old and 3yr old are 12 months and 2 days apart (their birthdays are May 27th & May 29th) and my 3rd is almost 1. I love having them so close, it's not as scary as it sounds, just sort of hectic when you go out for the first few months.

Kristen - posted on 10/19/2009

I have a 19 month old and a 9 month old. My girls are 10 months and 4 days apart. What a shock to be pregnant again. I think have twins is easier b/c at least they will be at the same developmental stages. They both needed a lot attention and time. Now they are a little older. They love to play together. They are like twins that they do not like to be away from each other. It is so much easier now. You willl be fine. It will not be a nightmare. You will get through it. It may mean that the house will be messy and the dishes may not get done everyday but that will not last forever.

Amy - posted on 10/19/2009

Hi, when my 3rd son was 9 mths I fell pregnant with my 4th son, they are 18mths apart, I did find it tough at times, especially with the older one competing for attention, or when they were sick or grumpy, but apart from that I found I enjoyed having the 2 close together and it was nice for them, becuse they have a good bond between them. :).

Rebecca - posted on 10/19/2009

I dont think it will be that bad i have a 16 month old and am 6 weeks off having another bub and i have been told that i'll be busy and it will be hard and i am sure it will be but i think everything wil be just fine... good luck Stefanie

Crissy - posted on 10/19/2009

I have 4 children and there all close in age. 4yr,3yr,21months,and 5months! the oldest 3 play well together and my youngest is a bit advanced for her age and is trying to grow up to fast. makes me sad cuz im done having children.

Jessica - posted on 10/19/2009

I'm 6 months pregnant and have a 13 month old. I think it will be hard for us at first, but our children will be so close. At least they will be going to school at the same time, and you don't have to start all over when you baby goes to school (unless you choose to have more) :)

Jamie - posted on 10/19/2009

My girls are 20 month apart, 2 and 6 months. Somedays are difficult others are great. I didn't plan them to be so near but since it has happened as so I'm actually happier! When it comes to crying it gets rough when they are both at it, but I have found many ways to hold and comfort my two year old while I nurse my 6 month old. On bad days just take a deep breath and remember they are only this little for so long and before you know it you'd prefer these days compared to the bickering kids can do. Plus advice a friend gave me since her kids are farther apart in the long run it isn't any different.

Autumn - posted on 10/19/2009

I have two that are 14 months a part and it is a nightmare sometimes. The good thing is that they are close and play together a lot. The bad thing is that you are going to go through the same thing twice.

Jovan - posted on 10/19/2009

I have 2 kids 16 months apart and let me tell you It is very hard at times but not impossible! The hardest part was the pregnancy It is hard to take care of yourself and get the rest you need with a little one needing so much attention. When the baby first came home I actually had my parents keep my older children for a few days with them being gradually introduced back into the home a few hours at a time so that I didnt get overwhelmed. Now my baby is 2 1/2 months and my son is 19 months old and things are fine there is some serious jelousy at times my son has pulled my daughter off of the couch once and sometimes the 2 of them crying in unison is enough to pull my hair out but it works and they are starting to bond with each other. There is nothing sweeter than the smile that lights up on her face when she sees him or the way he kisses her hair and rocks her seat when she is crying, You will do just fine just remember to take it one day at a time and try to give your older baby some special loving time. Oh yeah if you breastfeed dont be surprised if the older one wants in on the action It wont hurt her my son weaned at 12 months and now occasionally nurses when the baby nurses only for a minute or 2 I think he does it to make sure that he is still my baby!

Jessi - posted on 10/19/2009

my babies r 19 months apart. it was hard in the hospital my big girl was very upset i am also a stay at home mom so i was always with her.but a few days after i was home it was like i was never gone so try not to stress to much your baby is young enough thats she'll fall right into routine just try and let her help some like with getting you a diaper or bib she'll like that it will make her feel like a big girl hope this helps