Too close? Too far away? What will be the best age difference between siblings?
If your idea has always been to have a family with more than one Mini or if you simply miss the early days and are now thinking about having a second baby, you've probably already thought about these questions. Even if you can't exactly plan an age range, you can certainly think of the best time to try it!
Before thinking about your favorite interval, we suggest that you also consider that studies carried out on the subject point to a minimum interval between births of 12 to 18 months, to avoid increased risks for the mother and baby. Some experts even advise increasing this period to 18-24 months, especially in the case of a cesarean section, due to the risk of premature birth and to allow the mother an adequate recovery period.
If you have already considered these aspects, then, after all, when is the ideal time to have a second child?
- 1 year difference
With a 1 year age difference between Minis, risk is indeed a point to consider. But there will also be diapers. Lots of diapers. Night and day. The need for constant attention and the accumulation of tasks with the 2 Minis will be a challenge! On the other hand – efficiency gains! Repetition of tasks and activities can even mean that you have more time, as daily routines will be shared as a family and imitation can help. Sharing could actually be the most positive point, as there will be 2 Minis with very close interests, who will remember being together forever. It will probably be the best break to get a puzzle or a drawing book and stimulate everyone's creativity!
- 2 years difference
At 2 years apart, the risk for the mother will have normalized and the strain on the parents will not be as intense. You've probably already worked out (some!) household routines at this point and your 2-year-old Mini will have (some!) autonomy. There continue to be shared interests between Minis and, as a bonus, as you still remember the best way to pack your maternity bag, you maintain efficiency gains!
However, 2 years is an age known for its demand for attention, and the arrival of a new Mini to the family may bring some more difficult moments to manage. Perhaps some educational toys could help with integration?
- 3 years difference
At 3 years old, your Mini will already be a grown-up, interested in activities of his own without needing all of his parents' attention. There are already many interesting toys for this age . Parents may now have some time during the day to dedicate themselves entirely to the new member of the family, just like the first time. You will also be able to recover things that you had already stopped using, such as the nest and the learning cup, but with the added confidence of someone who has been through this before.
On the other hand, the time of sleepless nights and the accumulation of diapers was probably long gone and will return now, with parents much less rested than the first time. The bond between siblings may also not be as strong, as the type of games they play will be different for one and the other.
- 4 or more years apart
The parents now have PhDs in Minis! Maturity in the whole family is different and daily worries have already diminished. The older Mini will already understand who the new member of the family is and may even want to help. Good thing, because after so much adventure, parents may have some difficulty remembering how to put the swaddle on in the first few months. The least positive point will probably be that now there will be even fewer shared interests between the Minis, the family of 4 (or 5, or 6!) may now have to split up to go to all the activities.
Whatever your family's option, they will all have their advantages and disadvantages, fitting better or worse according to your preferences and family context.
At Mini-Me we believe that adaptation is part of the journey – and we are here to help!
