Second child!

I was almost 40 so we decided we wanted to go for a second sooner rather than later. We have a 4 month old and a 2.5 year old now

I only have my 9mo at the moment. I want to wait until he’s a little older but me and my partner want to get the younger, more physically draining years done quicker rather than dragging it out so we are relatively young parents (I’m 30) when they are young.

I didn’t lol. I’m one and done and my LG is nearly 2. I was set on one before I had her though, so it wasn’t ever a question really for me.

I had the same worries when I had my second. All the "what if's " was thought of but all of that went away when I had him. My love grew the moment he came into the world. And as they grew up they became best friends. They still argue as brothers do but one can't stand to be away from the other. I say if you want more go for it. I just had my third and the older kids don't want to pay attention to him much but I know it will change as time goes on.

I have the same worries. My daughter is 18 months old and I want another baby but also love our special time together. I think she’d thrive with a sibling but I think how do I divide my time.

If you're not certain, don't feel pressure or pushed to do it. I think having one child is wonderful and if you love your life with your baby girl, keeping it that way is a fantastic choice. I'm kind of biased because as a child I was so happy as an only child, I spent as much time as I wanted with my mum and dad, and had plenty of friends (and didn't envy my friends with siblings at all!) . I think culture round one and done is really interesting - In the US there's only 20% single child families, in the EU it's 49% (basically half!), UK is 46%, and the percentage is growing in every country. Either way, Make the choice that's right for you and follow your gut :)

Literally same boat! My dog is super left out and jealous…I’m terrified my son will feel that way with a sibling 🫣 but also, I feel like having a sibling will keep him grounded and not think he can run the house 😅

I felt the same way, to me my daughter is so perfect I cannot imagine loving anyone else that much (I’m currently 9 months pregnant) and I think she would do fine as an only child. Ultimately we wanted a second because my husband lost his mother fairly young, and I am so glad he and his brother have each other. It breaks my heart to imagine it only being him and his dad, instead of the trio of him, his brother, and his dad. So we didn’t necessarily want a second child as a playmate for our first, but thinking more ahead to their adulthood, if that makes sense.

@Rosie same here we're on our 30s and want to get the draining years done with. Also would be nice to have a close age gap between the 2.

We're in conflict over this rn. My S/O wants at least 3, I always planned for 2. He was ready for #2 as soon as our daughter was born, whereas I feel complete with her. She'll be 1 this month, and no part of me wants another. I want to be able to focus all of my love and resources on her. Maybe I'll change my mind later, but I want to be one and done.

Advanced maternal age and the fact that my baby sometimes seems like she could use a play mate. I also don't want her growing up without a sibling to share memories and responsibilities with

@Rosie this is exactly what I'm thinking about too! I think maybe sleep deprivation all at once might be better. It's a very hard decision

@Faythe that is so good to know. Thank you!

@Sarah that's my concern too. My girl is everything to me and I hate the thought of her ever feeling left out, though I know I will love a second just as much. It's just her little feelings I'm worried about

@Sarah this is so lovely. Really gives me something to think about! Thank you so much girl x

@Hallie yes I really understand that - I want my daughter to have someone to talk to when me and her dad are old and grey. That almost cements my decision

@Jassmine oh my goodness, that's a lot to deal with. It's very hard when you aren't both on the same page!

@Dianna yes the responsibilities thing is a huge one for me. I'm grateful to have a brother. I think that probably helps me make my decision

Yes! I wanted to wait until he slept through and was walking as I don’t want to be carrying him around everywhere whilst pregnant. He slept through for the first time last night ! He’s no where near walking though 😆

@Rosie omg no way! My wee one still wakes every hour 😴 that's amazing!

Oh hun, that’s hard! I would definitely wait until they were sleeping more consistently personally xx