Planning a second baby? This is the ideal gap you must maintain!
TrendingHair DensityBaby NamesTeddy Day WishesOldest Restaurants In BengaluruBeach TripZig Zigler QuoteWilliam FaulknerBaby NamesIndian RiverAnimal KingdomHair DensityBaby NamesTeddy Day WishesOldest Restaurants In BengaluruBeach TripZig Zigler QuoteWilliam FaulknerBaby NamesIndian RiverAnimal KingdomHair DensityBaby NamesTeddy Day WishesOldest Restaurants In BengaluruBeach TripZig Zigler QuoteWilliam FaulknerBaby NamesIndian RiverAnimal KingdomPlanning a second baby? This is the ideal gap you must maintain!TNN / Updated: Jan 10, 2018, 17:09 ISTShareAA+Text Size
Small
Medium
Large
Follow us 1/6
The ideal gap between two kids
An increase financial cost, health of the mother or your own preference might restrict you to only have one kid. But this decision may get withered when there is a demand for a sibling, family pressure or for that matter, change of your own choice. When couples want to have their second kid, they usually wonder about the ideal age gap between the two. Indeed, this is totally a personal decision which may depend on various factors but there are certain things you must consider if you think about a healthy mother and a child. Some may want give a gap of two years, many may want to wait for as long as five years. Here we have a listed a few points which will help you in deciding the ideal interpregnancy interval.
2/6
The perfect age gap
THE PERFECT AGE GAP: Undoubtedly, when to have a second child is your decision but you wouldn’t want to compromise on mother’s health. Only once she fully recovers from her first pregnancy, she must think about the second one. Also, there are certain pros and cons when children are spaced closely or gapped for too long.
3/6
Gap of 12 to 18 months
GAP OF 12 TO 18 MONTHS: When children have an age gap of 12 to 18 months, they tend to build a stronger bond. The first one is too young to understand the sense of jealousy. The two become playmates. But intense needs of small kids may put a toll on mother’s health. The sleepless nights which may last for a year or two, breastfeeding the kids or training them together, every responsibility gets doubled. Also, this less a gap may take a toll on mother’s health. Studies say that when the gap between two kids is less than 18 months, problems such as pre-term birth, small gestational age and low birth weight may develop.
4/6
Gap of two years
GAP OF TWO YEARS: There are doctors who recommend couples two years to have a second child. Not only it is good for mother’s and new born’s health, the first also reaches at a stage where he/she could express and starts to understand things better.
5/6
Gap of three years and more
GAP OF THREE YEARS AND MORE: When there is a gap of three years or more, your first one is old enough to be independent and feels secured. By this time, mother’s body also gets fully recovered from the first pregnancy, breastfeeding and birth. Parents can give attention to both the children because both kids have separate demands and interests. However, getting pregnant after so many years once again may be harder for your body. Experts also say that after three or more years, a second pregnancy could mean more risks in pregnancy and childbirth. If you wait up to five years, you may get hypertension, kidney disorders and even diabetes!
6/6
Verdict
VERDICT: As per World Health Organization, a gap of at least 24 months should be there between your first and second child. By this time, the mother’s body gets fully recovered from her first pregnancy as she replenishes the nutrients she lost in her first pregnancy. If not 24 months, a minimum gap of 18 months should be maintained in any case.
Follow Us On Social Media
Photostories
8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfastValentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connectionExclusive - Laughter Chefs 3's Arjun Bijlani on pairing up with Tejasswi Prakash: I keep teasing her asking when she’s getting married, planning to have kids. even call her 'bhabhi'Happy Teddy Day 2026: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes for Your Special SomeoneReplace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition8 techniques to break negative thinking patterns in relationships6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture
1
2
3
lifestyle videos32:03Exclusive: Author Amish on writing 'The Chola Tigers', lessons from India’s forgotten heroes, and more32:03Exclusive: Author Amish on writing 'The Chola Tigers', lessons from India’s forgotten heroes, and more27:30Senior Living in India-- Myths, Realities & the Future of Purposeful Ageing13:05Life After 60: How To Redefine Life Post-Retirement16:34Life After 60: Why India's seniors are choosing community living04:34Control Your Senses, Gain Knowledge, Attain Peace: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4.3906:37Cultural Clashes in Love: How To Make Your Relationship Work03:19Prayagraj MahaKumbh 2025 Readies For Millions: Massive Preparations Underway In Uttar Pradesh04:48Sadhguru Reveals The Truth About Black Magic And Your Photograph07:18BK Shivani On Forgiveness: Why It’s Essential For Inner Peace08:08How Bhairavi Sadhana Accelerates Your Path to Liberation: Sadhguru Speaks06:47Breakup Recovery: How To Not Wallow In Misery And Love Yourself03:20The Purifying Power of Yajna: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 30
1
2
3
4
More Videos
Featured In lifestyle
'I was trying to click the Tsunami ride at Surajkund Mela and it came crashing down': A nightmare I can never forgetValentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connectionReplace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)Think flushing coffee grounds is safe? Here’s why experts say it might be risky for your pipesWho wore what to Sonam Kapoor's baby shower6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architectureCute or careless? A viral flight incident that made parents rethink 'civic sense'Budget 2026–27 high-speed rail push: Delhi to Varanasi in under 4 hours, Mumbai–Pune in 48 minutes, and moreIT professional wife pressured to quit job for in-laws, marriage ends in divorceVaishno Devi Shrine Board approves first-of-its-kind Shakti museum, sound-and-light show to transform Katra