Planning A Second Baby? This Is The Ideal Gap You Must Maintain!

Times EntertainmentSign In

TOI

TOI
  • lifestyle
  • relationship
  • Health+
  • style
  • visual stories
  • trending
  • parenting
  • soul search
  • beauty
  • books
  • recipes
  • food news
  • travel
  • home & garden
  • events
  • spotlight
  • health news
  • fitness
  • diet
  • mental health
  • coronavirus
  • alternative therapies
  • weight loss
  • videos
  • diseases
  • yoga
  • News
  • lifestyle
  • health-fitness
  • photo-stories
  • 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
The ideal gap between two kids
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.

The perfect age gap
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.

Gap of 12 to 18 months
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.

Gap of two years
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.

Gap of three years and more
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!

Verdict
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

Article image for: 8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfast
8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfast
Article image for: Valentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection
Valentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection
Article image for: Exclusive - 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'
Exclusive - 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'
Article image for: Happy Teddy Day 2026: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes for Your Special Someone
Happy Teddy Day 2026: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes for Your Special Someone
Article image for: Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)
Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)
Article image for: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition
Article image for: 8 techniques to break negative thinking patterns in relationships
8 techniques to break negative thinking patterns in relationships
Article image for: 6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture
6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
lifestyle videos
Article image for: Exclusive: Author Amish on writing 'The Chola Tigers', lessons from India’s forgotten heroes, and more32:03
Exclusive: Author Amish on writing 'The Chola Tigers', lessons from India’s forgotten heroes, and more
Article image for: Exclusive: Author Amish on writing 'The Chola Tigers', lessons from India’s forgotten heroes, and more32:03
Exclusive: Author Amish on writing 'The Chola Tigers', lessons from India’s forgotten heroes, and more
Article image for: Senior Living in India-- Myths, Realities & the Future of Purposeful Ageing27:30
Senior Living in India-- Myths, Realities & the Future of Purposeful Ageing
Article image for: Life After 60: How To Redefine Life Post-Retirement13:05
Life After 60: How To Redefine Life Post-Retirement
Article image for: Life After 60: Why India's seniors are choosing community living16:34
Life After 60: Why India's seniors are choosing community living
Article image for: Control Your Senses, Gain Knowledge, Attain Peace: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4.3904:34
Control Your Senses, Gain Knowledge, Attain Peace: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4.39
Article image for: Cultural Clashes in Love: How To Make Your Relationship Work06:37
Cultural Clashes in Love: How To Make Your Relationship Work
Article image for: Prayagraj MahaKumbh 2025 Readies For Millions: Massive Preparations Underway In Uttar Pradesh03:19
Prayagraj MahaKumbh 2025 Readies For Millions: Massive Preparations Underway In Uttar Pradesh
Article image for: Sadhguru Reveals The Truth About Black Magic And Your Photograph04:48
Sadhguru Reveals The Truth About Black Magic And Your Photograph
Article image for: BK Shivani On Forgiveness: Why It’s Essential For Inner Peace07:18
BK Shivani On Forgiveness: Why It’s Essential For Inner Peace
Article image for: How Bhairavi Sadhana Accelerates Your Path to Liberation: Sadhguru Speaks08:08
How Bhairavi Sadhana Accelerates Your Path to Liberation: Sadhguru Speaks
Article image for: Breakup Recovery: How To Not Wallow In Misery And Love Yourself06:47
Breakup Recovery: How To Not Wallow In Misery And Love Yourself
Article image for: The Purifying Power of Yajna: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3003:20
The Purifying Power of Yajna: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 30
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
More Videos

Featured In lifestyle

Article image for: 'I was trying to click the Tsunami ride at Surajkund Mela and it came crashing down': A nightmare I can never forget
'I was trying to click the Tsunami ride at Surajkund Mela and it came crashing down': A nightmare I can never forget
Article image for: Valentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection
Valentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection
Article image for: Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)
Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)
Article image for: Think flushing coffee grounds is safe? Here’s why experts say it might be risky for your pipes
Think flushing coffee grounds is safe? Here’s why experts say it might be risky for your pipes
Article image for: Who wore what to Sonam Kapoor's baby shower
Who wore what to Sonam Kapoor's baby shower
Article image for: 6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture
6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture
Article image for: Cute or careless? A viral flight incident that made parents rethink 'civic sense'
Cute or careless? A viral flight incident that made parents rethink 'civic sense'
Article image for: Budget 2026–27 high-speed rail push: Delhi to Varanasi in under 4 hours, Mumbai–Pune in 48 minutes, and more
Budget 2026–27 high-speed rail push: Delhi to Varanasi in under 4 hours, Mumbai–Pune in 48 minutes, and more
Article image for: IT professional wife pressured to quit job for in-laws, marriage ends in divorce
IT professional wife pressured to quit job for in-laws, marriage ends in divorce
Article image for: Vaishno Devi Shrine Board approves first-of-its-kind Shakti museum, sound-and-light show to transform Katra
Vaishno Devi Shrine Board approves first-of-its-kind Shakti museum, sound-and-light show to transform Katra

MORE FROM ETIMES

life & styleHernia SurgeryFacial HairPlastic RiceValentine Week 2026Pancreatic CancerlogoLiving and entertainmentETimesTravel DestinationsCricbuzz.comTVLifestyleNewspaper SubscriptionFood NewsTimes PrimeWhats HotServicesCouponDuniaTechGigTimesJobsBollywood NewsTimes MobileGadgetsWork with UsColombiaHot on the WebTeddy Day WishesSalman KhanAamir KhanJana NayaganLahore 1947Thyroid HealthJaafar JacksonSunny DeolAI Expert WarningSteve Jobs Success MantrasAmazon LayoffsBaba Vanga Prediction 2026H5N1 VirusCancer SymptomsArtery HealthThe 50 Contestants ListBlood Sugar TestMardaani 3 Box Office CollectionEckhart TolleRajinikanthHair Care TipsBorder 2 CollectionRamadan 2026Border 2 Movie ReviewSamir SoniSonam KapoorArijit SinghBaby NamesFebruary Festivals 2026Dhurandhar Movie ReviewToday Gold Rate in ChennaiDelhi Weather TodayDelhi AQI TodayMumbai AQI TodayMaharashtra Public Holidays 2026Samsung Galaxy f70eiPhone 17eElon MuskBest Smartphones For Senior CitizensNissan Gravite InteriorTata Punch EV FaceliftTrending TopicsLatest MoviesBollywood MoviesHollywood MoviesTamil Movies 2026Telugu Movies 2026Malayalam Movies 2026Kannada MoviesMarathi MoviesBengali Movies 2026Top Rated Movies 2026Best Hindi MoviesBest English MoviesBest Telugu MoviesBest Tamil MoviesBest Malayalam MoviesBest Kannada MoviesBest Bengali MoviesUpcoming Hindi MoviesBest Movies Of All TimeBest Hindi Movies of All TimeLatest English MoviesLatest Malayalam MoviesEnglish TV NewsTamil TV NewsTelugu TV NewsMalayalam TV NewsKannada TV NewsMovie ReviewsBhojpuri Cinema NewsGujarati Cinema NewsPopular CategoriesViral NewsK Pop NewsWeb Series NewsAnime NewsUpcoming English MoviesUpcoming Tamil MoviesUpcoming Telugu MoviesUpcoming Malayalam MoviesUpcoming Kannada MoviesFashion TipsTravel NewsEntertainment NewsBollywood NewsTollywood NewsKollywood NewsMollywood NewsFood NewsLatest Hindi MoviesLatest Tamil MoviesParenting TipsHome RemediesWeight LossBeauty TipsParenting TipsHindi VideosHindi Video SongsBhojpuri Music VideosLatest Telugu MoviesBhojpuri Music VideoHindi TV NewsLatest News'Bandwaale’ set to stream on OTT: When and where to watch the new musical dramaOpposition mulling notice to seek removal of Lok Sabha SpeakerLady Gaga shares emotional message after surprise Super Bowl XL halftime performance with Bad BunnyIs Stephen Curry playing tonight vs the Memphis Grizzlies? Latest update on the Golden State Warriors star's injury report (February 10, 2026)Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 9, 2026)HC judges cannot assume role of domain experts: Supreme CourtWoman lost $340K, house and car in ‘celebrity’ love scam: Fraudsters posed as Chris Hemsworth, Michael Ray and moreGovt must monitor unfairly priced steel imports, says Tata Steel CEO TV Narendran'Not what America stands for': Anthropic president says she's horrified over what happened in MinnesotaJ&K: Omar Abdullah faces PDP fire over central loan schemeThe 50: Marathi actor Jahnavi Kiran Killekar gets voted out; Nikki Tamboli gets emotionalOrlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks (02-09-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and moreWhen is MLB 2026 Opening Day? Breaking down the calendar and opening week highlightsJharkhand Mahua Board Proposed: Boosting Rural Economy and Livelihoods“He would’ve loved it”: Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika Kirk gets emotional over TPUSA’s "All American halftime show" amid Bad Bunny’s performanceFake notes transaction leads to drug haul, arrest in J&KIs Ja Morant playing tonight vs the Golden State Warriors? Latest update on the Memphis Grizzlies star's injury report (February 9, 2026)Jharkhand MP Demands Special Cultural Corridor for Tribal Heritage SitesCopyright © 2026 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication ServiceFollow us on

Tag » When To Have A Second Baby