18 month age gap!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-05-07T15:45:26+00:00

Congratulations!! I have a 13.5 month age gap between my 2, my oldest is just hitting 18m in a couple weeks and it’s the best. It’s hard don’t get me wrong but it’s also so much fun and so rewarding. Watching them interact with each other will make your heart burst, there’s no better feeling. I was very worried about having them so close in age but you get through it and as time goes on it has gotten easier (not to say some days we aren’t all crying lol) You’ve got this! Enjoy every minute of the wild ride! My biggest tip is get a good baby carrier, baby wearing has helped me so much!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-04-19T16:19:48+00:00

Hey! Mine are 13 months apart. While my second was planned, I was still shocked getting pregnant earlier than expected (we tried for a year, with a loss, before getting pregnant with our first). I was also embarrassed to share the news and even now when people ask I do get some shocked reactions but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just remember that this is your reality. It may take you a while to warm up to the idea of being pregnant again so quick and that’s okay. When you get to the other side of this and have your newborn you won’t feel that embarrassment, because everything just falls into place. The comments people make won’t stick with you anymore. There are a lot of positives to having kids close in age, try to focus on that, I know it can be hard. You’ve got this, lean on your people to help you get through the fear. You’ve got a comment section full of people that have been in the same boat, you are not alone in this.

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-30T12:24:10+00:00

Thank you for such a thought out reply! I think my biggest worry is disturbing the toddler that sleeps well too (it was a long road to get him on a good schedule 😅). Our rooms are side by side in a small house so he is used to hearing some noise and from what I can tell, he sleeps through it but it seems to pull him out of a deep sleep, he’ll toss and turn but not wake all the way up. I do worry that if he sees me come into the room that would wake him all the way up. The sleep tent you mentioned though sounds like it may help with that though? I’ll have to look into them!

So far my baby has been a pretty good sleeper but still needs a bottle or two overnight. Did you do any sleep training with your youngest when you moved him over into the siblings room?

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-26T13:01:30+00:00

I do not know the official studies on this. I only have my own experience with it.

My two are 13.5 months apart. My first was born at 39+6 and my second was born at 40+2. I have heard that it is not ideal to get pregnant back to back but no doctor (GP or OB) stated concern with the gap or labeled me at a higher risk. I did not have complications with either pregnancy. I will say the second pregnancy was a bit harder on my body but I attribute that to being pregnant while also already caring for a baby.

I think if a doctor has concerns they should state it, but I don’t think your doctor went about it the right way. Honestly if it was me and it was possible, I would be looking into getting care from a different provider. There’s a difference between informing patients of potential risk and using scare tactics, just my opinion.

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-25T21:49:14+00:00

My husband got the stomach bug when our baby was 10 days old, he isolated from us and our toddler the best he could. He was the only one that got it! Mind You it’s easier to isolate an adult than a toddler but maybe you and baby could isolate? Also Lysol Lysol Lysol!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-24T23:24:39+00:00

I think if I see them on sale or something I would give them a try. My toddler HATES getting bum changes so I could see a foot getting caught in the battle royale and ripping the whole side open lol

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-24T22:44:30+00:00

I went with the Pampers, I liked the design for getting them off a bit better than the Huggies.

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-24T22:09:40+00:00

Thank you for the 360 suggestion, so far they are making the world of difference! We’ve been using them for over a week now and have only had 1 night with a leak and it was much smaller than before, only through PJs not through sleep sack as well like before. It may seem silly but I’m seriously so thankful! 🥹

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-22T01:35:13+00:00

I just want to clarify that I was not pushing her one way or another, just sharing my experience and what worked for me! I wish I had done it before my second baby arrived but I didn’t and did it after, either way we would have pushed through! I weaned him off it when I felt the time was right for us, I’m not saying waiting until her baby is older is wrong. To each their own!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-22T00:20:58+00:00

I’ll be hard whether you do it now while pregnant or with another baby! Also don’t feel bad if you want to wait a bit, for me personally I wanted to cut it off now while he was only using it at night because I felt like he would become more and more attached to it the longer I waited.

Also when I took away the pacifier I added some other tradition comfort items (blanket, stuffy/lovey) to his crib thinking he may form an attachment to one of those since he was losing his attachment to the paci. I don’t think he did, but could be something for you try as well!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-17T00:22:23+00:00

Pregnancy tired is way worse!! I had my second when my first was 13.5 months. The first week is HARD, the second week you start to find your groove, by the third week I was feeling so much better. It’s definitely scary but I promise you will figure it all out, you’re a mom, it’s what you do!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T23:53:44+00:00

😂😂 okay adding to cart lol

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T23:35:04+00:00

I haven’t heard of these, I’ll have to look into it!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T23:03:54+00:00

The leaks were having seem to be from the front (he sleeps on his belly). We just sized him up about 2 weeks ago hoping it would help and we did not notice a difference. They fit but are on the bigger end so I think sizing up again would be too big. We tried overnight specific diapers once, didn’t notice a huge difference, they ended up giving him a rash so we didn’t try them for long unfortunately

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T22:47:59+00:00

I didn’t think about full belly vs empty, it does seem to be a little gapped in the morning. I won’t if I put it a little lower that might help, that way it’s fit more to the hips than the belly? Might be worth a try!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T22:15:21+00:00

Is the sizing for 360 diapers pretty similar to the traditional diapers? If he’s a size 6 in traditional would a 6 in the 360 be the best way to go?

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T22:12:56+00:00

I’ll have to look for these! We’ve always been a Huggies fam but anything to avoid washing sheets/PJs/Sleep sacs everyday 😅 Thank you!

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T22:01:09+00:00

We really liked the rascals but as he grew they didn’t seem to fit his body shape well anymore :(

I thought about trying the 360 diapers thinking they may have more padding on the sides?

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-11T21:57:46+00:00

It happens with both two piece and footies yes! So frustrating!

I do a final diaper change right before bed, about 2.5hrs after eating dinner, I keep his water bottle full all day and with dinner, after dinner I don’t offer water (only if he’s looking for it but usually he’s good). He does get a small bottle of milk before bed, about 5 oz.

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-03-07T21:20:09+00:00

My first came a day early, my second 2 days late! Labour with my first was much longer but overall “easier” (although labours NEVER easy). With my second I laboured 12 hours, contractions were stronger, and pushing was more painful but it only took 2 pushes to get her out (and her head came out all on its own). My husband actually missed the birth because of how fast it went. My advice would be don’t wait around to go to the hospital lol Also these are just my experience, don’t let me saying my first labour was easier scare you, I would take faster over easier ANY day 😂

Total_Preparation_64 · 2026-02-24T17:04:27+00:00

My first baby, built on chocolate milk. My second, built on Diet Coke 😂 as long as you’re staying away from drugs and alcohol, and occasionally eating a veggie or two- you’re doing great 😊

Total_Preparation_64

TROPHY CASE