Baby Number 2

Having another baby is something that I have been thinking about a lot recently. I have been discussing this matter with other mums who have children a simular age to my son (9 months) and have come up with the following pro’s and con’s:

Two under 2’s:

The pros being that the children are very close in age, this could equal great play mates. Babys have a constant play mate, you have them both in nappies and maybe on bottles so all the utensils are still there – changing mats, bottles (if bottle feeding) sterilisers etc etc. If you are career focused it is a quick break in your career (unless you go for number 3) then you can go back to work when your kinds are a bit older. However, there are as with everything cons, you may feel that it is all a bit rushed and want to enjoy baby number 1, two babies under 2 can be a handful meaning double buggy, double nappy changing and both wanting (one needing) to be caried. If you only have a short maternity leave there will be two babies to pay for nursery.

Baby no. 2 when first born is 2 and half – 4 years:

The pros here are the children are still close in age, once babies get to this age the can go to playgroup for a few days a week so mum can get a break with new baby, first born will be able to walk, feed themselves, and maybe even help out a little bit by watching baby letting mum get on with other duties. The cons, however is that the break in career is a bit longer, first born may not be in nappies anymore so it is a bit like starting again when you feel you are starting to get your life back a bit and things are getting a lot easier.

Baby no.2 when first born is 4years +:

The pros to this is you will get the baby all to yourself while first born is at school, only one nappy to change and first born can feed themselve, dress, bath and walk, no double buggy! You may have gone back to work and have been feeling like another well deserved break! However the cons are the babies are not so close in age so it really will be like starting again!

However, a main factor to the decision is the type of mum you are, if you are career focused and keep to get back to work, maybe babys close in age is more for you, or the later as you can go back to work to get career going again then go back a few years down the line have another baby. If you are a stay at home mum then the children close together may benefit your style of life. A huge factor to this is money, if you are going back to work, is it benefical to have two children in childcare financially? Can you afford to be a stay at home mum to two living on one income for so long? There is no right or wrong answer, its just things that suit you and your personal situation.