5 Reasons to Have Babies Close in Age

As we were about to welcome our fifth baby I realized that, in addition to having a literal handful of children, I would also have five kids ages seven and under.

Within less than eight years, my body had grown, birthed, and nourished five little lives. While this still awes me, it can be overwhelming to realizing how many young children are looking to me to supply their needs.

Yet, every time I begin to feel anxious about whether it was a good decision to have our children close in age (or if the next trip away from home becomes the time I lose someone), I remind myself of the many benefits we’ve found having babies close in age.

Here are our top five reasons to have babies close in age.

Reason #1: Your Child Will Have a Built-in Friend

Having children close in age, especially less than two years apart, means older children won’t fully remember a time without their younger siblings.

Before you become teary-eyed wondering if they will miss out on time as an only child, remember that younger siblings don’t ever experience a time without other children around. Being surrounded by others is a natural part of life for younger siblings, and there’s nothing wrong with older ones always having memories of their brothers or sisters.

Having a built-in friend comes with lots of benefits. Kids close in age have similar interests and enjoy the same kinds of toys. They love playing, getting dressed, bathing, and following everyday routines together.

Reason #2: Your Children will Learn Social Skills at Home

The foundations of social skill development begin at home, through family interactions. For siblings close in age, social skills are learned easily throughout the course of your day.

Siblings will learn how to think of others' needs instead of just their own. Older children will adjust to taking care of baby’s needs by helping with baby’s care, spending time with parents while baby is feeding, and learning how to adjust to the changing world when baby begins to move.

As kids transition towards toddlerhood, everyday interactions such as sharing toys, asking for items, and using their words instead of crying become a basis for healthy interactions in preschool and beyond.

Reason #3: You’re Already in Baby Mode

When you have babies close in age, you’re already in baby mode. You’re used to needing to diaper and feed routinely (and have already budgeted for the costs associated with this). You know how to bathe baby and have established roles within your family of who does what.

You also have grown an impressive arsenal of parenting techniques, just-right for babyhood. You can calm fussy babies, have a good idea of what baby’s crying might mean, and remember how to cope with middle of the night feedings.