The title above is a tricky question, as every couple will have their own reasons and methods for planning when to have the next child. I planned for my second child after waiting for about 18 months after I had my first. This is going by the book that says the optimal gap is about 18 months. A short gap of less than 12 months to 18 months carries a higher risk of encountering prematurity, pre-eclampsia and a less healthy fetus. However waiting too long, for example 5 years also carries the same risks.
What is your driving factor?
Some parents may plan for their next child when the first one is slightly older and needs less care. For example, when the first child has reached school going age and will be spending part of his day in school. Therefore, it depends very much on the individual parent. Some parents may not mind to have the next baby sooner whereas others prefer bigger age gaps.
photo credit: Saad.Akhtar
If you are a practical person, you may consider having the next child sooner instead of later. Hence, you have completed your family planning and gone through the difficult time of taking care of babies and toddlers within a short period of time. In addition, the small age gap means your children can actually play together.
Another factor that may worry you is on whether your kids can get along with each other or not. Research shows that the age gap of more than 2 and less than 4 years causes the worst sibling rivalry. A smaller age gap means your kids will get more or less the same treatment. Whereas a larger age gap may present a problem as the kids will notice differences in treatment. Hence, you get sibling rivalry.
Other factors to consider
Other important factors to consider are the mother’s health, the family’s financial situation or career growth may also affect your decision on planning for the next child.
My own decision and planning was very much influence by financial considerations as well as child care issues.
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