Having a baby is one of the milestones in life for which most parents plan well in advance. Although most people think that pregnancy is challenging, raising a child is even more difficult sinceit is definitely a huge change in life! Couples plan their lives from conception up to the time of birth when deciding to have a second baby.
However, what happens when you plan to have a second baby? When is the best time to have second baby? For some couples the planning of conceiving a second baby does not always turn out to be exact. It has been observed that even some physiologically healthy mothers experience a dreadful delay in the conception, despite doing everything right.This is nothing to panic aboutthings will fall into place ultimately as long you are healthy! Rushing things and panicking will certainly not help.
When Is the Best Time to Have Second Baby?
Here are some of the factors parents must consider when finding the best time to have second baby.
1. Age Gap Between Two Children
Studies and fertility studies have shown that a gap of one and a half or two years is best for the health of the mother and the newborn. A gap below 17 months can likely increase the risk of premature birth, whereas, a gap above five years can increase risks of birth difficulties.
2. The Mother’s Physical Conditions
Giving birth to a child is a task which needs constant energy and up to par health. Aftergiving birth to a child, the mother needs to restore her body and supplement nutrition that has been consumed through the course of pregnancy. A planned gap of at least 18 month allows a women’s hormonal levels, blood supply and body strength to reach its normal level again, this ensures not only a healthy state of mind for the conception but most importantly, a healthy body much needed for the next nine months.
3. Age of the First Child
It is very important to consider the age of your first child when planning to have a second one. According to family studies, children below one year of age do not realize the importance they hold in the eyes of their parents and have yet to go through the phase of experiencing their parent’s attention. Meanwhile, children above four years of age may start to feel the need to do things on their own and may not need as much attention as a one-year old does. If this gap is not maintained, it might lead to sibling rivalry and attention-seeking behaviors.
Considerations of Having a Second Baby
If you are trying to figure out the best time to have second baby, the 5 common considerations below should be noticed and though over.
1. Your Age
Age is perhaps one of the most crucial factors to consider when women try to get pregnant, as per fertility studies, women falling in the age group above 35 are at higher risk of experiencing disorders associated with pregnancy, including abortion and premature birth. Whereas, women below the age of 30, should primarily consider their physical health when planning a second baby, since an otherwise healthy mother is capable of carrying a healthy baby, without risking her own health.
2. Your Partner's Opinion
Having a baby is a big step in your life, and your partner's! Therefore, you'd better ask your partner's opinion. It may not come as a shock if your partner does feel the same way about having a baby. If such the otherwise situation arises, it is best to start by identifying your differences and talking out the issues in your minds.
3. Financial Situation
Taking care of a child asks for more than just caring for them, the cost of nurturing your children needs a reliable support of money to ensure they receive quality upbringing and grooming that every child deserves. Couples often need to change their work schedule and priorities, especially the mothers, sincea full time job may be hectic for many for keeping up with twochildren.
4. Your Life with Another Child
Once the parents have gotten used to the new routine after having a baby, they start to settle in the routine and restart all activities they once abandoned. These may include going out once a week, giving more time to work or a favorite hobby, etc. Having another child would mean another disturbance in your routine and this is why many couples need to analyze if they are ready for such a commitment once again. Remember that every child deserves your best and no hobby or job should become the reason for poor upbringing.
5. Your Initial Purpose
When you decide to get pregnant again, ask yourself some questions to help your decision. Ask yourself why you want another baby; is it because you feel your first child needs a sibling; are there any family pressures involved; do you feel your family is still incomplete or is it because your partner feels the need to have another child…All these questions will sift out for any confusion which might holdyouback during decision-making. It is best to discuss these questions openly with your partner to make a mature decision for your entire family.
Closely Spaced Sibling vs. Wide Spaced Siblings
Closely Spaced Age Gap
Having close gaps between siblings can be very advantageous when it comes to toys, sibling rivalry issues and division of attention. With lesser gas between siblings, the children develop friendship among each other over time and do not compete for their parents’ attention, as seen in children with higher gaps. Older children usually develop a feeling of responsibility toward their siblings, which is also very helpful for the parents when it comes to taking care of the younger child.
Widely Spaced Age Gap
Some other families argue that having wide gaps between children allows them to divide their time effectively among each childbased on their experience. It allows them to understand the needs of every child individually and nourish them likewise. Also for some couples, having a pair of children who need to be potty trained, taught how to eat and stay away from harmful things such as stairs, etc. can be very hectic and tiresome.
