Based on the study findings, they suggest the optimal time between giving birth and getting pregnant again is 18 months, with a range of 12 to 24 months.
Gaps of over five years are associated with pregnancy and birth problems (not just because you're likely to be an older mum) (Conde-Agudelo et al, 2006). With bigger gaps, your children may be into different things so not as close until they're much older.
Yet when most of us think of the “ideal” or most common age gap between kids, we generally think of a two to three year gap.
6 years isn't too much of an age gap to not like the same things. Now that Birch can talk and run, the games they have in common have increased – especially open-ended, imaginative play, builds developmental skills for both of them despite their age difference!
A gap of 3 years or more greatly reduces the chances of sibling rivalry. By this time the older child is secure in him or herself and quite independent. In addition, the mother's body is fully recovered from the challenges of pregnancy and birth of the first child.
Having two children is good for your health
Three different studies looked at thousands of older adults and found the same thing: two kids was the sweet spot for health. The risk of an early death increases by 18% for parents of an only child. Also, the risk is higher for parents of three or more kids.
Experts say the best time to get pregnant is between your late 20s and early 30s. This age range is associated with the best outcomes for both you and your baby. One study pinpointed the ideal age to give birth to a first child as 30.5. Your age is just one factor that should go into your decision to get pregnant.
"The survey finds that the majority of respondents believe that two children is the 'ideal' number for family happiness, but the majority of respondents also have two children.
What is the best age gap? 2 year age gap pros and cons. A lot of families who hope to have two or more children aim for a two year age gap as the best age gap between siblings. They're close enough in age to play together but it's slightly less of a shock to the system than tackling two under two (at least in theory)!
There's just as much chance that children much closer in age won't get on, either as children or adults. Seven years is really not too big an age gap at all.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against getting pregnant within 6 months of giving birth to your little one—and many providers say that waiting 18 months or so after delivering a baby is the “sweet spot” for you to get pregnant again.
Scientists have found that the age gap between siblings affects their relationship with their sibling and parents. Children who are closer in age usually have a closer relationship, according to education.com. For one Fenton woman and her sister, that's true.
Possible benefits of a 2-year age gap
When it comes to how prepared your body is for the next baby, a two-year gap is healthier for you than waiting less time: Your body has had enough time to bounce back from the last pregnancy. It reduces risk of pregnancy complications.
Yet the newest pregnancy always seems to be harder than the one before it. While every pregnancy is different, it is not uncommon to find your second or subsequent pregnancy more challenging.
Second babies are easier to deliver than first babies. Why? Lots of reasons: Our uteruses get smarter and figure out how to do the job. All the muscles, tissues and bones have already stretched out making it easier for the baby to descend.
According to a Gallup poll, 4 in 10 Americans say three or more children is the ideal family size.
According to a 2013 "TODAY Parents" survey of more than 7,000 parents, three is the most stressful number of children to have.
Women's media and pop culture are major contributors to the oft-cited narrative that ages 30-39 are a woman's supposed “prime” — socially, professionally, physically, sexually and emotionally.
Age of moms: According to pre-pandemic data, the average age of first time mothers in the US is 26, though it is on the rise among women from multiple socioeconomic groups [LINK].
Child number two or three doesn't make a parent happier. And, for mothers, he found, more children appear to make them less happy—although they are happier than childless women. For dads, additional children had no effect on their well-being in his study.
Child number two or three doesn't make a parent happier. And, for mothers, he found, more children appear to make them less happy—although they are happier than childless women. For dads, additional children had no effect on their well-being in his study.
One is a sweet spot. A twin study of 35,000 showed moms of only children are happier than women without kids, and happier those with two or more. A recent study of 20,000 parents over 16 years shows the birth of a second child increases parental stress due to time pressure, and mothers are hit the hardest.
What's the best interval between pregnancies? To reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and other health problems, research suggests waiting 18 to 24 months but less than five years after a live birth before attempting your next pregnancy.