It’s hardly surprising that age gaps can dictate how your older child will get along with your baby. If you have a new baby an older sibling or siblings in the house, you know that having a baby with older children is a challenge in its own right. Yes, you may have mastered many of the demands and rigors related to having a baby.
One Year Age Difference
A year is a tough age difference because as a parent you’ve barely recovered from having one baby when you are pregnant with the next. On the other hand, your older child and baby will likely be going through similar stages once they reach childhood. The squabbles can be tough and baby care with two in diapers at the same time can be even tougher.
Two Year Age Difference
A two-year age difference may be more desirable. But when your toddler is leaving one stage, your younger baby may just be heading into it. As they get older, they naturally share similar interests. A one year old and three year old are capable of playing together as are a 2 and 4 year old, 4 and 6 and 6 and 8. On the other hand, the two-year age gap can cause other difficulties. 2 year olds may regress a bit with the arrival of an infant.
Three Year Age Difference
The three-year age difference may be among the most desirable. The older child may have already been dreaming of a younger sibling before the baby arrives. They are also a little more independent and can help out with small tasks. While still young enough to play and entertain the baby, they are also old enough to get fetch familiar items you may need. The older sibling is also more likely to want to help out with the baby.
Four Year Age Difference & More
A four year age difference can put your children in different orbits altogether. It can also mean that when your baby is beginning to toddle, your older child is in Kindergarten. They are never going to be in diapers together and the age difference can foster a different type of closeness. Still, the greater the age difference can mean the older child was used to being an only child and some small resentment may occur.
My daughter, who will be six in November, is desperate for a younger sibling. She adores her baby nephew and loves to help take care of him and entertain him. She calls it practice for when we give her a real one of her own.
How far apart are your older child and your baby?
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