Why You Should Wait 2 Years Before Having Another Baby: The Benefits You Might Not Expect

The 2-Year Gap: Is It Really That Important?

So, you’re considering adding another little one to the family? It's exciting, right? But before you rush into it, let's pause for a second and talk about why experts recommend waiting at least two years before having another baby. I know, it sounds like a long time, but hear me out. There's actually a good reason behind this advice. And no, it's not just some old-school parenting myth.

When you’re a parent, you get tons of advice – some good, some questionable – but this one’s been backed by research. Trust me, it’s worth listening to.

The Physical Toll on Your Body

Your Body Needs Time to Recover

Think about it: pregnancy is no small feat. It's an emotional rollercoaster, a hormonal tornado, and, let's be honest, the physical toll is massive. After carrying a baby for nine months, your body needs time to bounce back. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends waiting at least 18 months (and ideally two years) before getting pregnant again. And here’s why:

Your body needs time to replenish its nutrient stores, rebuild muscle strength, and recover from the strain of childbirth. If you get pregnant again too soon, you're at a higher risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and even maternal health issues like hypertension. Yikes, right?

I remember a conversation I had with my friend Sarah, who had her two kids close together. She was physically exhausted, and though she loved her babies, she said she barely had time to catch her breath between pregnancies. She wished she had waited a bit longer to give her body the break it needed.

Hormonal Health Matters, Too

After birth, your hormones go through a chaotic shift, and they need time to settle down. If you’re pregnant again too soon, your body might not have fully recovered, and the hormonal imbalance can be more difficult to manage. It can lead to more intense mood swings and other frustrating health issues that make the journey harder than it has to be.

Mental Health: A Key Factor in Timing

Parenting is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Let’s get real here: being a parent is HARD work. You have to deal with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and a toddler with an attitude (or a newborn who needs constant care). You might not feel like you’re getting enough "you" time, and that stress can take a toll on your mental health.

Taking a two-year gap between kids can help you mentally and emotionally recharge. It gives you a chance to focus on your firstborn, regain some energy, and prepare yourself for the challenges of another baby. I’ve seen parents burn out because they didn’t take that time, and honestly, it can be a lot to handle.

Just last week, I was talking to my colleague Jenna about this very thing. She has a toddler and a baby on the way, and while she’s super excited, she’s also a little worried about how she’ll balance it all. I totally get it, though. A two-year gap means you’ll be able to catch your breath before diving back into the intense phase of having a newborn again.

Mental Clarity for Your Family's Future

Having a second baby means reassessing a lot of things – finances, work-life balance, your home environment, and even your relationship with your partner. Giving yourself time to adjust to the first baby’s needs (and giving your partner some time to settle into their role too) means that you’ll be mentally prepared for what’s to come.

I’ve read some studies that show how couples who space out their children are more likely to have a stronger partnership because they don’t feel overwhelmed by constant transitions. They get a chance to adjust to one phase of life before the next big one hits. And that’s huge!

The Social and Family Benefits of Waiting

Your Firstborn Will Be More Independent

Alright, here’s something you might not think about: a two-year gap means your firstborn will have time to grow and become a little more independent. Trust me, as much as you love your baby, there’s a massive difference between a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old. When your firstborn has developed a bit of autonomy (you know, like potty training and following basic commands), it’ll be so much easier to handle the demands of a newborn.

I’ve seen it firsthand with a couple of friends. Rachel, for example, has a three-year-old and a baby on the way. Her first child is already able to entertain herself for short periods and help with simple tasks. It’s not that your first kid doesn’t need your attention – they totally do – but a slightly older child will be more understanding of a new baby’s needs. And you’ll appreciate that extra little bit of freedom.

A Stronger Bond with Your Partner

Raising a child is not a solo mission. You’re in it together with your partner, and if you’re too close in age, both children will demand your attention. That can put a serious strain on your relationship.

Spacing out your children allows both you and your partner to invest in each other. You get the time to recalibrate, reconnect, and make sure you're both on the same page before the next baby comes along. Plus, you both have a better shot at enjoying your own "couple time" before diving back into the sleepless nights.

I can’t stress enough how important this is. Think about it: do you want to spend your entire relationship just changing diapers, or would you prefer to enjoy a few months (or years) of togetherness? My friend Carla swears by this. She and her husband had a solid two-year break, and it made their bond stronger than ever.

The Bottom Line: A Little Time Can Make a Big Difference

So, should you wait two years before having another baby? I’m not saying there’s a one-size-fits-all answer, but after considering all the physical, emotional, and relational factors, it seems like a pretty solid idea. Sure, life doesn’t always work on a perfect timeline, but giving yourself some space between pregnancies isn’t just about avoiding complications; it’s about giving you, your partner, and your family the best shot at thriving.

If you're on the fence, I totally get it. The pressure to have kids close in age can be real. But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Your body will thank you. Your partner will thank you. And yes, your future children will thank you too.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.