Going from 2 to 3, what's it like?

[xZoeyx]

Hey everyone.

So I currently have 2 children. First child was a very traumatic birth, severe PND after, second was a traumatic birth but a dream to raise with no PND.

We would like one more baby and I feel I'm ready now, but my main concern is how do you all cope with the no sleep? It's the one thing that terrifies me and makes me think I won't cope. What's it like going from 2 children (ages 7 and 3) and having a Newborn also? Because that means sleeping when baby sleeps will not be possible. 7 year old is easy, my 3 year old however is still very clingy, goes through random phases where she wakes up during the night but this is rare.

Has anyone else here been terrified of a 3rd but actually managed just fine?

Thank you.

 

[xZoeyx]

Anyone xx

 

[RedButterfly]

I have 4 children. There are 14 months between the middle 2. Trust me, you will find time to nap if you need to. And you'll manage just fine

 

[Reiko_ctu]

1-2 was my hardest transition and 2-3 was a nice transition. If you can find something to enroll your middle child in while your oldest is at school you might like that breathing room. It is busy but you can find time to rest if needed . Now that my youngest is 2 I’m getting a lot more time to myself during the day when they all play together and my 7 year old is responsible enough to help them if needed or let me know if things are going wrong lol!! Definitely go for the 3rd, it’s magical!!

 

[xZoeyx]

Thanks guys, it's nice to see some positive reviews on the change. I guess earlier nights will be in order until baby is old enough and sleeping through. It is scary to think about doing it all again though for sure!

 

[Tripltemum3]

Ah! Definitely go for it ! I cant comment fully as we started with 3 ! (Triplets boys ) and had another when they were 7 . But youll find a way to make it work. Remember that the ways that you find wont always be the same as everyone else’s, but youll definitely find a ‘working routine’ for it all! Xx

 

[Flueky88]

I agree that the transition from 1 to 2 was the hardest for me. 2 to 3 has actually been the easiest I think. For reference on age gap, I have 3.5 y.o., 23m.o. and 3m.o. so close spacing. All babies are different and my 3rd is either my best sleeper or 2nd best sleeper. My 2nd was the worst and she was still better than some babies. Baby wearing and/or a swing super helpful. My oldest likes to help out too. No diaper changes but she likes to interact with her while I'm busy getting lunch together, etc.

 

[HLx]

I have 3 children and going from 2 to 3 was harder than going from 1 to 2 but not as hard as going from 0 to 1. Everything just feels manic in the first few weeks but once you settle into a little routine it's actually pretty simple to get anything done. My 3 are 9, 6 and 15 months so i think the age gap made it a bit easier

 

[ZubZub]

Having a third has been the best thing ever. Obviously it’s not for everyone, and we have big gaps so our older two were pretty independent (6yrs btwn no 2 & 3). No 2 still doesn’t sleep through so the no sleep wasn’t anything new!! I think we are better parents and not so wound up about no 3’s progress and milestones etc. And I now feel “done”. I can read all the TTC posts and pg posts and feel such delight for everyone without the slightest tinge of jealousy/sadness or whatever that emotion is that I felt before having no 3. It’s so personal though. The down side is it seems everything caters for families of four...

 

[xZoeyx]

Thanks for replies guys, we've been trying to reach an agreement cause my other half isn't totally sure on a time scale now. We are looking at August as TTC time I think. To give us roughly a May baby.

 

[LaurenH2B]

Interested in this too!

also waiting for the summer to try to conceive #3, I’m at uni and want to try plan baby’s arrival for summer break (end of may- end of September time) but would ideally like baby due June time!