What’s the Best Age Gap Between Babies?

Thinking about baby number two (or three) and wondering if the timing is “right”? Yep, you’re not the only one lying awake at 3 a.m. with that question buzzing in your brain while someone small sleeps on your chest.

Whether your firstborn just started walking or is halfway through primary school, deciding when to have another child is a big deal. And spoiler alert: there’s no perfect answer. But there are a few things worth knowing—especially if you’re hoping to line up nap schedules and keep your sanity.

Is There a “Best” Age Gap?

Short answer: Not really. But there are pros and cons to every age gap, and knowing them can help you make a choice that fits your family, your body, and your life.

And let’s be honest—sometimes the decision isn’t fully in your hands. Fertility, finances, career, mental health, your relationship, sheer energy levels… it all plays a part.

Let’s Talk About Your Body First

Pregnancy and birth? They’re big events, even when they go smoothly. So your body deserves a bit of a breather before doing it all again. According to the World Health Organization, it’s best to wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again. But many doctors say a 12-month gap is a reasonable goal if you’re feeling ready.

Why the wait? Because jumping back in too soon can increase the risk of complications like:

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Babies measuring small for their gestational age

These risks tend to be higher if you conceive less than six months after giving birth. But interestingly, the risks also creep back up if you wait more than five years between pregnancies. It’s like your body has a bit of a “sweet spot” when it comes to spacing kids.

And if you had a C-section or a complicated birth the first time around? Your doctor may recommend waiting even longer to protect both your healing body and your next bub.

What About the Emotional Load?

Here’s where things get real. Because it’s not just about uteruses and ultrasounds. It’s about how much you’re juggling mentally and emotionally.

Close Age Gaps (Less Than 2 Years Apart)

It’s a wild ride. Think two sets of nappies, double the night feeds, and a serious lack of hands. But there are upsides:

• You’re already in “baby mode,” so nothing feels wildly unfamiliar.
• Your kids might become little besties (after they stop wrestling over toys).
• You power through the exhausting phase in one intense go.

That said, many parents find the early years with a small age gap completely relentless. You’re pulled in every direction and often feel like you’re giving half of yourself to each child, with no time to top yourself back up.

Wider Age Gaps (3+ Years Apart)

With a bit more space between siblings, you often get:

• Time to enjoy your first child’s early milestones without distraction.
• A child who’s a bit more independent before baby number two arrives.
• More sleep, more headspace, and possibly more support from your older kid.

On the flip side? You might feel like you’re starting all over again. Just when you thought you were done with purees and prams, boom—back in the newborn trenches. And while some older siblings embrace the big brother/sister role with pride, others might feel a bit… replaced.

The Career and Life Jigsaw

Let’s not forget the practical bits. Childcare costs, maternity leave policies, your partner’s job, the school calendar, your mental health, these all influence the decision.

Some families choose a shorter gap to minimise time out of the workforce. Others opt for a longer one to feel more financially or emotionally secure. There’s no wrong way to plan, and honestly, life has a funny way of ripping up even the most colour-coded timelines.

What’s Right for You?

This is the heart of it. The right age gap isn’t what someone else did or what some chart suggests. It’s what feels manageable for your body, your family dynamic, your energy levels, and your future goals.

So ask yourself:

• Do I feel emotionally and physically ready to go again?
• Is my partner on board and equally prepared?
• What kind of support will I have this time around?
• How would a new baby change things for my current child?

One Last Thing…

Whatever the gap between your babies, 12 months, five years, or somewhere in between—you’ll make it work. You’ll stretch, adjust, learn as you go, and somehow love them both (or all) with a ferocity you didn’t know was possible.

There’s no perfect formula. But there is a perfect-for-you.

Ever been caught in the “when’s the right time for baby #2?” spiral? Tell us what helped you make your decision, or what surprised you along the way. Let’s swap stories in the comments.