Of course, it remains to be seen when and whether you will become pregnant again with a second or subsequent child. But if you are wondering what the theoretically ideal age difference between brothers and sisters is: according to researchers, it is four years.
Because regardless of whether or not you become pregnant when you want to, there are all kinds of reasons to quickly go for another child or to wait a long time. Age difference between siblings varies read about the pros and cons in this article.
2 or 3 year age gap
A year or two or three difference between your children seemed perfect to you in advance, but after the birth of number one you can’t wait to become pregnant again and hold such a sweet little one in your arms. It happens to many mothers. Sometimes this feeling ebbs away and the ovaries stop rattling. If not, then work on a brother or sister is soon underway. But it is not only emotions that play a role in the period between pregnancies. There are also practical advantages (and disadvantages) to a larger or smaller age difference.
Tip! Are you already pregnant with a second child? Prepare your child for the arrival of his or her little brother or sister with one of these picture books.
Age difference of approximately one year
The tropical years may be extra busy (two or three in diapers at the same time, pfff!), but if your children arrive one after the other, you will soon be rid of all that worry (almost) in one go. Children who sit close together also play together more fun(ly). At least, that’s what you hope. And that’s true, according to researchers. Other advantages that the researchers mention:
Less chance of pregnancy poisoning
Your children go to primary school one after the other, which means you have more time to work more, for example.
Financially smart: children share toys, a (double) stroller is enough for you and clothes can easily be passed on from one to the other.
The children are in approximately the same phase in terms of interests, so there is little discussion when choosing films, TV programmes, reading books or games.
Two or three years age difference
Are you not ready for a new pregnancy right away? There are also plenty of advantages to a two or three year age difference between brothers and/or sisters. Like this one, some of which have been scientifically proven.
A two or more year age difference produces smarter children. At least, according to this study.
You have been able to give your oldest child all your attention for two or three years.
Is the oldest child going to daycare, toddler gym or preschool? You have all the time you need for your baby.
Your body has recovered from the previous pregnancy and can therefore better handle a subsequent pregnancy.
Moreover, when the oldest is a toddler, you have (somewhat) recovered from all the lack of sleep. In short, fit enough for a new period full of sleepless nights.
The chance that your child will be born prematurely is smaller if there is more time between the pregnancies.
The ideal age difference between siblings
Okay, it’s probably clear to you: every age difference has advantages and disadvantages. But what about that ideal age difference of four years? According to researchers, this is the best ‘option’, because there are simply more advantages than disadvantages. Here are some pluses, for example:
Being pregnant, breastfeeding, even sleepless nights: you can’t wait to have a baby in your arms again. It’s been so long…
Because you’ve already experienced it once and are a few years older, you’re not (or less) insecure this time. So it’s extra enjoyable. Your oldest child knows a little about what a sense of responsibility means and is happy to help you take care of the baby.
Your toddler is also quite independent. He can dress himself, go to the toilet by himself… Handy! And then he also goes to school every day: you can focus on the baby and – if you’re lucky – catch up on sleep.
The baby learns a lot from observing his parents and his older brother or sister: his great example. Your children are different enough not to be jealous of each other or to show competitive behavior towards each other. Because of this age difference, the eldest will be protective of his little brother or sister. Sweet!
Large age difference between children
Finally: curious about an even bigger difference, of five years or more? According to experts, this is a bit more difficult, for example because the children are so different that they have very little in common. Some experts also say that the chance of getting pregnant again decreases after five years. Perhaps also because you are now at the age where this is less easy anyway. You are also probably busy with your eldest, who now has to be driven from pillar to post (think: swimming lessons, sports clubs, friends). Quite tough in combination with a baby.
In short, a four-year gap is the most practical and has the most advantages, researchers say. But hey, what do they know. It’s already great if you can have children at all. What does that age difference matter to you?
