https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:47:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1790629 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:23:09 +0000 Meowkers 1790629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me it's 4 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1790595 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:31:21 +0000 skibobrown 1790595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think 2-3 years is great. My sister and I are 2 years apart and were quite close growing up. Unfortunately, I just can't handle having kids spaced so close together with my very busy work situation and no family living in the area. If we do have a second child, our kids will be more like 3.5 - 5 years apart. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1790590 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:23:13 +0000 ALV91711 1790590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If we have a second it will be a 3-4 year age gap. I like the idea of DS being more independent. Plus after a year mat leave he would be in school of some sort and that would leave only paying for one in full time daycare. </p> <p>I have two younger sisters. I'm 7 &amp; 10 years older than them. I looked out for them a lot growing up and now as adults we are all close. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1789871 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:35:52 +0000 catlady 1789871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@californiadreams: I am 4.5 years older than my brother. Here is what I think of as pros and cons of that age difference.</p> <p>Pros:<br /> - I definitely was the "baby" in my family for a long time and wasn't really jealous when my brother was born. I loved helping out when he was a baby.<br /> - I was able to read and play independently when he was little so I know that helped my parents out.<br /> - I was able to babysit him from a pretty early age.<br /> - I protected him fiercely from the neighborhood bullies! :)</p> <p>Cons:<br /> - We weren't really that close growing up. I was pretty independent and always thought of him as "the baby." As adults, we have a good relationship, but he's not like a best friend.<br /> - Our activities never overlapped so my parents were always driving us one place or another.</p> <p>FWIW, I will probably aim for a 2.5-3 year age gap for my own kids, but that's mostly for me to get the pregnancy/newborn years out of the way. I won't worry about it too much if it doesn't work out that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1789868 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:33:35 +0000 loveisstrange 1789868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>4 would be ideal for me, personally. 5-6 is probably more realistic, if at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1789862 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:31:30 +0000 Mamasig 1789862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My sons are 20 months apart which is exactly what I wanted. I feel like it will be hard in the beginning but will love the benefits later on. My brother and I are 4 years apart which I felt was too long an age gap. If we have a 3rd, it will probably be a 2.5 - 3 year age gap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings/page/2#post-1789793 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:10:14 +0000 duchessdina 1789793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@californiadreams: We were shooting for around 2 years but it's going to end up being 2 1/2 -3 years. I'm hoping for as close as possible. DH's brother is 4 years apart and they never really played together but some of it can be personality too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789792 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:10:03 +0000 skipra 1789792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My sisters are 5.5 and 9.5 years older. I get along with both of them but have always been closer to my middle sister. I wish we were closer in age. They are almost 4 years apart and they fight a lot now and there has always been a strong rivalry between them. My two oldest nephews are 2.5 years apart and mostly are awful together. The youngest is 7/4.5 years younger and they get along with him great. So I'd guess maybe over 4 years is best basef on my experience. With that said, my boys are 20 months apart. I kind of wish the older had more time as the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789778 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:03:53 +0000 lawbee11 1789778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If we were having another LO we'd wait at least 3 years. I think between 3-4 would be ideal for our family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789758 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:57:52 +0000 Greentea 1789758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think 3 years would be ideal; 2 at least.</p> <p>I don't think there is any true answer other than what is best for you and your family, however. Functional families probably create the healthiest, and therefore most likely to get along, children in my opinion (rather than specific age gap). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789701 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:39:37 +0000 Sapphiresun 1789701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're planning 2.5-3.5 years. I don't know if this is the best gap for children, but I think it's good for us for the following reasons.</p> <p>1) We get 1 year partially paid maternity leave in Canada if you've worked a certain amount of hours in the previous year. I go back next week when LO is one, so two years back at work will be almost certain to have enough hours before I leave again, even if I had to take medical leave before for any potential complications.</p> <p>2) We can have an additional unpaid year, where they hold our position. LO#2 being born when LO is three means I can be off work until she goes to kindergarten and only have to pay full time day care for one child when I return to work.</p> <p>3) I think that's a good gap for our first baby to get a bit of time to be our baby, and hopefully be a little lower needs when a newborn arrives.</p> <p>4) My sister and I are 3.5 years apart. I thought this was a good gap, because we were close enough in age to be friends, but far apart enough that generally through school we got to have our own space, and friends. ie, she was in primary when I was in intermediate grades, and she came to highschool the same year I left, and there wasn't overlap in sports or potential dating pools so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789645 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:24:47 +0000 Katrocap 1789645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My sister and I are 5.5 years apart (she's older). In many ways it would have been fun being closer in age, but our situation had its perks too. She went to college when I was in 7th grade and I enjoyed having my parents to myself at home that whole time. I think that also allowed me to be more independent and get the best of both worlds (sibling and only child). DH is 22 months older than his sister and they have never been close. Nothing in common and VERY different personalities.</p> <p>Because of work and finances if we have another LO then DS will be at least 4 years older. We'll try our best to help them bridge the age gap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789633 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:17:34 +0000 SwanSong 1789633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am four years apart from my sister and it worked great growing up, I actually loved not ever being in the same school, gave a me a sense of more independence. I loved that we each had out own friends and activities. We were close growing up and still are now. Overall my goal is 3-5 years between kids because I think that is what will workbest for our family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789584 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:00:39 +0000 BananaPancakes 1789584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Aimed: I agree! If we have another, they'll likely be closer to 4 years apart. It works better for us financially and mentally, and I think that matters, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789583 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:59:51 +0000 Arden 1789583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@californiadreams: I'm four years older than my sister and I thought the age gap worked for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789572 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:56:48 +0000 oliviaoblivia 1789572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 4.5 years older than my middle sister and 7.5 from my youngest sister. We are all very close.</p> <p>I wish I had been closer in age to them because we were never in school together but my younger sisters were. They have a different bond because of their school time than I have with them. I always felt responsible for them in more of a motherly than sisterly way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789520 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:41:10 +0000 fairy 1789520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us, I am thinking at least 3.5 years apart so that my daughter won't be as needy as a young toddler and can maybe even help a little and understand everything better than, say, a 2yr old. I want to have lots of solo-time with my daughter before potentially adding a sibling, but I would love for them to be close enough to play together as little kids. Though I think personality contributes more to them getting along than age.</p> <p>My brothers are 6 years older and 9 years younger than me and I got along with my older brother most of the time, but he would also punch me when he didn't get his way (and we get along now), and I never got along with my younger brother, still don't! I had 2 stepsisters as well - one 6 years older and the other 2 years older, and I played with the younger one all the time because we had similar play-styles and personalities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789477 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:26:03 +0000 swurlygurl 1789477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have my kids 9 months apart if I could, but I'm a little crazy like that.</p> <p>My sister and I are 3.5 years apart, and we are VERY close. We were always really close growing up even. I think part of that is due to us sharing a room and a bed though - we had to find ways to get along and play nice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789430 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:13:40 +0000 NovBaby1112 1789430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My twin sisters and I are 18 months apart and we have always been soooo close. I loved it growing up. It's like we were triplets. I however, have no clue how my mom did it with us so close together...and I want a longer gap just for sanity reasons. Ours will hopefully be 2.5-3 years apart. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789296 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:41:41 +0000 californiadreams 1789296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grizz: @theotherstark: I like both your replies, but notice that you both had sisters. I wonder if it would be different with a brother who is 4 years older? I have a boy now and obviously can't choose what I will have next (although hoping for a girl).</p> <p>@Aimed: good points, thanks.</p> <p>Another reason why I wanted another LO sooner rather than later is because I want the year off to spend with DS while he is still young. I've hated going back to work full time since he was a year old. Since I have been back at work, I have been wanting to get pregnant again just so I could countdown until I am home with him again!</p> <p>I am still so torn! Especially because I see more pros to the larger gap, but the reasons for a smaller gap are still there!</p> <p>I will have to wait out the next few weeks anyway to see what happens with my current situation/job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789294 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:41:30 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1789294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our kids are 26 months, sometimes I think it would've been nice to have them even closer together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789262 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:34:12 +0000 theotherstark 1789262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My sister and I are 4 years apart :) It was great! I personally liked that we were far enough apart in age that we had our own social groups, etc., but close enough that there wasn't a huge rift between us. Plus, I think she liked having someone to look up to/out for her, and I liked having a younger sister to help look after/mentor, if you will. It was good for me in terms of responsibility. We definitely did play together, though, when we were young! That wasn't an issue at all. And we're close now as adults. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789258 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:33:28 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 1789258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 28-month gap. I would have preferred closer to 3 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789245 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:29:23 +0000 anandam 1789245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grizz: yes, this is what we had, too!</p> <p>But we also were able to play together normally, like dolls and house when she was 4-6 and I was 8-10. There's more overlap in interests over that age gap than one might think! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789195 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:14:13 +0000 NeekieRose 1789195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted under 2 years difference....looks like they are going to be 17 months apart. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789193 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:13:04 +0000 Smurfette 1789193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The earliest we will consider is 2.5-3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789177 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:09:20 +0000 Boheme 1789177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@californiadreams: My sister and I are 4 years apart, and I was very motherly towards her growing up, and I loved the attention I got from having such a cute baby sister :happy: I dressed her up, carried her everywhere, and called her "my baby". I taught her everything - reading, helping me cook, learning to ride a bike. My parents really loved our age gap. My mom said it was really helpful having a "sister-nanny" lol! Now that we're adults, 4 years is no big deal at all! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789159 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:05:12 +0000 cascademom 1789159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>3 years. I'm hoping that it's still three years apart or so. We just started trying last month for LO #2. </p> <p>I should add that three years sort of just happened with us. Enjoying and managing toddler behavior sort of took over our time, so it got pushed back. I also lost a lot of weight to prepare for another pregnancy. I would have wanted them closer in age, but am okay with our current hopeful span. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789155 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:03:47 +0000 dolphin 1789155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>2.5 years </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-ideal-age-between-siblings#post-1789153 Wed, 30 Jul 2014 11:03:13 +0000 anandam 1789153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Because of subfertility my two siblings and I were 4-5 years apart and absolutely still played together and now as adults are still close! Closeness is affected by many things besides age! </p>