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I will say that I've heard from lots of people that going from 2 to 3 was the hardest transtion.... but I don't know why.

DH's bff has three boys and they both said that the hardest was that their first two boys were super easy babies, sttn in infancy, etc. And their third is still having sleep issues (won't fall asleep in crib, has to be transitioned from couch sleeping to crib) at almost two years old! They're all 2.5 years apart and the oldest does help out with what he can at 7!

Just a guess but I wonder if it is because by the time you have #4, unless you are VERY quick about things, I'd imagine #1 is old enough to be less of a challenge and more of a helper? Whereas for #3 the first is probably still not quite old enough to help much?

Maybe your give-a-shit drops by the time you have a 4th. You adopt a, "oh they'll be fine" mentality

Maybe because with two, you have one hand for each, with three, you don't. Just grow an extra arm!!!!!!!

I was a little worried about this too, but it turned out ok because our boys are a bit older (6&9). So, they are definitely more of a help than hinder. But, if we end up with one more, I don't know how I'll survive!

Please don't be worried!! Sure, three kids is hard. Sure there will be days when they are all driving you crazy, and you will just want to cry. But there will also be great days, when they make you smile and laugh and brighten your day!

I think people say it's the hardest because you are outnumbered for the first time. It also ups your chances that someone will be fussy at any given time. When my boys are going through a rough patch it sometimes feel like someone is constantly whining at me. But they come out of it eventually. I don't know if my opinion counts since all three boys came along at the same time but adding in a fourth was a piece of cake compared to my three boys.

Like @Mrs. Train said, I think it's because you're outnumbered. With 2, you can divide and conquer; but with 3 someone needs to do double duty. And then with 4 you're just conditioned to the chaos so it seems easier!

My mom had 4 and said for her 1-2 was the hardest transition. Hopefully it goes smoothly for you, sometimes its good to prepare for the worst and then maybe be pleasantly surprised.

Woah woah woah, this has NOT been my experience. Perhaps it is because I'm only 6 weeks into being a mom of three, but I think it is easier! I hardly even notice the new baby. Maybe it is because I'm lucky and he's laid back, but I think going from 2 to 3 was SO much easier than 1 to 2. I feel like I'm already good at dividing my attention amongst multiple children, I know the perks of being a sibling so giving more attention to the baby doesn't make me feel guilty, and I feel like I can enjoy each phase of the baby because I know it is fleeting. @HLK208: I think you will do great! Are you a SAHM? I am and I'm use to being outnumbered

I am also scared about this since I think I want more than 2 My mom had three and she said going from two to three was horrible... great thanks mom. I just figure people have done it forever so if you are blessed with three you will make it work !!!

@HLK208: my pleasure just try not to stress yourself out. You will adjust!

I have no idea, but I know my sister has 3 kids and they are hard to manage...when I'm caring for them anyway.

I haven't heard this at all! All my cousins and friends with 3+ kids say the following regarding transitions:

1 kid - tough at first, but not bad overall
2 kids - pretty tough transition
3 kids - smoothest transition

I think perhaps that's because after 2, you really learn how to multitask, prioritize, and divide your attn. I solo parent a lot so am used to being outnumbered with 2 anyway. Also, usually by the time #3 comes around, the eldest is at least 4+ years old and pretty independent.

I was a little freaked out at the thought of 3 at first, but as my pregnancy has progressed, I think I've mentally prepared myself for the crazy that's about to hit. And as soon as my 1st tri fatigue subsided, I've been getting myself more organized around the house and with our routine to prep for the newborn phase all over again. I think I'm getting more excited than nervous now... You'll do great!!

My mom had 3 under 3 and she said it was easier to go from 2-3 than 1-2! My friend just had her third and she said so far it hasn't been too bad. Good luck