The Benefits of Waiting to Have Baby Number 2

Let us begin by saying every family is different, and there's no hard and fast rule for how long you should wait between having your children. You have to go with what makes sense (and is physically possible) in planning your family's own kiddie timeline. But if waiting three years or more between babies is something you're considering, there are great benefits to spacing things out a bit. Here, a few great reasons to give them (and yourself!) some room to breathe. Source: Flickr user Ben Grey

You Can Actually (Gasp!) Take a Shower

You Can Actually (Gasp!) Take a Shower

Leaving a young toddler and a newborn alone together? Recipe for disaster. Leaving a little kid and their new sibling alone together while you leave the room for a few? Should be A-OK — at least for five minutes. Source: Flickr user sean dreilinger

You'll Really Get to Know Your Older Child

You'll Really Get to Know Your Older Child

That one-on-one time is priceless. Source: Flickr user Fadzly Mubin

The Older Sibling Understands What's Happening

The Older Sibling Understands What's Happening

Because let's face it, no 10-month-old is going to understand that they're going to be a big brother or sister. Source: Flickr user Ben Grey

The Little One Gets a Built-In Teacher

The Little One Gets a Built-In Teacher

And homework helper, soccer coach, and advice provider. Source: Flickr user Luc De Leeuw

The Older Kid Gets a Protégé (or Two)

The Older Kid Gets a Protégé (or Two)

What better way to build a child's self-confidence than by having a younger sibling who looks up to them? Source: Flickr user Patrick

Your Kids Have Time to Establish Their Own Identities

Your Kids Have Time to Establish Their Own Identities

Your younger child won't just be known as "Johnny's little brother" at school, and spreading them out a bit prevents direct competition in academics or their other endeavors. Source: Flickr user Giuseppe Moscato

It Gives Mom Some Time to Recoup For Round Two

It Gives Mom Some Time to Recoup For Round Two

Pregnancy takes its toll on a woman's body. Taking a few years off in between kids gives you some time to get back into shape and feel ready for round two. Source: Flickr user Ed Yourdan

Four Words

Four Words

No double stroller required. Source: Flickr user clappstar