Having Kids Close in Age.

My kids were also 19 months apart. For me personally I found it very difficult but I didn't have friends or family that lived here to help me out. I went crazy having to change pampers on both kids but hey you will get through it. The older they have gotten is is sooooooooooooooo much easier. I personally always felt like I had to give the last one more attention because he was the baby. But you will find a way to balance it out.I have an older daughter and there was a 5 year gap and that was great. What I can say is the ones that are 19 months apart are inseprible. They always look for each other and take care of one another.They do have a close bond and one is a boy and the other is a girl.

I am a stay at home mom with a 19 month old son and 3 year old daughter. Mine are only 18months apart. At first it was extremely difficult because I had two kids who couldnt use words to tell me what they wanted. But I find now that the older they are getting it becomes much easier and they are best friends who love to play with eachother.

Good luck.

I have two little girls that are 16 months apart. My oldest just turned 3 and my younger one is 20 months. SOMETIMES it is crazy, and I just want to go nuts, of course I am a stay at home mom so I'm home all the time with both of my kids and it's not too often that I get a break. My DH is AWESOME and helps out as much as he can when he is home. Right after I had my second one it was fairly easy because the baby slept ALL THE TIME as brand new babies do so it wasn't too bad. When my older one turned 2 it got better also because she didn't want me to carry her around as much and was much more independent. Now that they are a little bit older they LOVE playing together and it gives me a much needed break from them because they will entertain themselves together, of course the opposite is true that sometimes they don't get along and they plan mischevious things together, but I think all kids do that at some point :). Good luck and congrats on the pregnancy!

Hi there,
I am a single mom to 2 boys that are 11 mos apart. With my expirence with the boys its hard, its like raising twins in a way. When I had first given birth to my second son, the older one didnt want to have anything to do with him. After awhile things mellowed out. Today they are 2 and 3, fight like brothers do, but are also very protective of each other. When I scold one, the other will try and scold me too. My older one is the care taker, while the younger is the defiant one. I have been lucky to have a supportive family to help me with them. It will be hard at first, but you will be able to find the happy medium that u will need to raise the boys, I did. Just dont stress out too much and it will all work out for your family. The boys are my joy today and I am intrigued by the things they do and say.

S.,
There are definitely pros and cons to having kids close in age. It's great for them as playmates because developmentally they can play more easily together. It's also great for them to go to school together - I found that in preschool, it was great. When one of them was having a hard day, the other was there and it provided a lot of comfort. Though it's also a challenge having a baby while you already have a baby in the house - it's ten times more exhausting at moments. As they get older, it will get easier, but it will take a while. Our two oldest boys are 15 months apart. Be prepared for your older child to take a couple steps back at first in terms of being a "big boy".

Hello first congradulations on the pregancy. My daughter and son are 23 months apart. I wanted them to be close in age. It has actually been easier than I would of thought. My daughter (2 1/2) just loves her baby brother(7mo) and keeps him entertained better than I can!! It is harder now that he is crawling because he is in to everything but it's all worth it. I hope you have a wonderful and safe pregancy.

Mine are 12 months and a week apart! I found out I was pregnant when my daughter was only 3 months old. Good luck! lol..just kidding. it is so fun.. hard work.. but fun!

my daugher cried, she was just a year, she cried for five hours when we brought him home, every time she looked at him she'd throw herself on the floor. the first year was difficult but just make sure he knows that you'll stop breastfeeding to come get him or he'll figure out how to get into mischeif at that time. We try to pay her just as much attention if not more so she doesn't feel left out.

they'll be 2 and 3 comming up here in a few weeks... it has been a hard two years but now.. we're starting to have fun... they can actually play together.. it's great!
my husband and I were watching american idol and they were playing leap frog on the floor in front of us! we looked at eachother and smiled.. I told him I couldn't imagine life with out both of them, Obviously i feel that way. but my biggest concern is her or him for that matter not having eachother. if we only had one... she wouldn't have a playmate.. don't get me wrong she has a fight mate too! but it is just amazing to watch them play...

So after the long story... Hang it there it turns out great!!

I am also pregnant and my kids will be 23 months apart. We planned to have them so close in age because we thought they would play together better. My brother and sister and I were all over 3 yrs apart and we never had anything in common. I'm hoping by having them close they will get along well and enjoy playing with each other. I also planned on only having just 2 kids, so I will be done after this one and just be able to enjoy being with them.

Hi S., I feel you sister! My first two are 12 months apart! Boy was that hard. I also cried for like the first two weeks. I was scared, and excited but still learning things with my first. Don't worry you will get into a routine and it will start going smoothly. My 2nd and 3rd are 20 months apart and that was easier to deal with. It is hard at first cause you feel like you didn't have time to raise your first one now another little one to take care of, but I swear to you it will get easier as time goes on! Take Care ~C.

Hi... well, my kids are 18 months apart and I have to say that I think it is great! My son is old enough to be the "big boy" and seems to enjoy helping out his little sister. Now that she is 1 1/2, they are starting to really enjoy each other and play together. Good luck!!!

I have three boys. 9, 7 and 2. I can tell you they all love, fight, play and hate each other equally right now. But I see in my husband that he is great friends with his closest sibling. I am an only child and hate every minute of it. My two oldest are only 21 months apart. They are sooo close and sometimes they fight like any human who lives full time with another. But they share every detail of joy and pain with each other which I couldn't wish for more for them. Yours will be able to relate more with each others phases than siblings spaced out. I wish you the best B. Rae

Dear S.,
When I read your request, I had to respond. I have a daughter and son that are 18 months a part almost to the day. I never intended or wanted to have children so close in age. Of course, around the time my son was born my daughter was in full on temper tantrum mode. I didn't know how to balance the house, the kids, etc... I was a stay-at-home mom, with a great husband and wonderful and supportive family. HOWEVER, as my children have grown, (now 4 yrs. and 2 1/2)I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT A BLESSING THESE KIDS HAVE BEEN IN MY LIFE!! I wouldn't change having them so close for anything. It was hard and challenging, but so amazing! Many challenges arise when raising kids, but the closeness and love that they have for each other lights up our lives. I thank God for the gift I didn't know I was receiving. I wish you the same.

I too am pregnant with my second child and my kids will only be 17 1/2 months apart. I have been told by many people that they will be closer than many siblings are because they will have a playmate close to their own age. Although I know that my daughter is going to be extremely jealous.

Everyone has told me to have them close in age. I personally am not ready to have more so I'm waiting but most of the advice was that it was good for the kids.

Well after having twin boys we knew we wanted our kids close in age. My daughter was born when my twin boys were 21 months. So I can totally relate. Just today I told my husband that I was so glad that we had them close. They are so affectionate with each other, giving kisses and hugs. There are some things, like having 3 in diapers sucks. But your done with diapers alot earlier. We haven't done much as far as potty training the boys yet because since they are twins they started talking later than singleton kids. They do have their own language though. Growing up my half-brother and me were 7 years difference and were and are not very close. Good luck and if you ever need advice or just want to talk, let me know!

A.

I am a mother if two boys. They are close in age, they are 19 months apart. I love it. I would have kids close together again. Feel free to ask any questions. I would love to ask them.

my daughter is ten months and I found out I am 3 months pregnant, I am not worried about it or what others will say, I look at it as a blessing.. its just breaking the news to others that is hard...

Hi,

I don't think it is bad to have kids somewhat close together. We have a 1 year old and plan to begin trying again when she is abt a year and a half. She would be abt 2 and a half when the second baby is born. My sister in law has a 7 year old, 5 year old, 4 year old and a one year old. They are all wonderful kids. Each child has a unique personality and lots of love to give. I think it will be a lot of work, but sounds like you are a very dedicated mom. Hope this helps...

K

When I found out I was pregnant with my first son I was thrilled, he was born in May 2005 and I was so overjoyed with having a child, then four months later I found out I was pregnant again and I cried for two reasons. The first because I was blessed to be having another child and the second reason because I was still learning stuff about the first and was not sure if I was ready to have another.

The day I found out I was having another boy I was so relieved, to know that my boys would be so close in age and that I didn't have to go out and buy anything different, I had all the clothes still (I know a little selfish). At times I was worried about them being so close in age but after having my second little guy and seeing them together all my worries disappeared. They are 55 weeks apart to the day and to tell you the truth I am so glad I didn't wait, at first my oldest didn't really acknowledge his brother but as time passed he is so great with him and he helps out so much. He is at the age now where he sits down and pats his lap because he wants brother to sit there, my little guy is now crawling and though at times he gets upset that he can't walk like his older brother they have so much playing. Don't get me wrong there are jealous times, but to know that they will grow up with this great bond makes me so happy.

Yes at times it is rough for me, because they will both be crying and you are not sure what is wrong but I sit back and know that it will all be over before I know it and to enjoy them while they are young. You will be fine and just remember you are not alone, just think of those mothers who have two or more at the same time, if they can do it so can all of us!! Have fun!!