Deciding to Have a Second Child

When you hear that first cry, when you see those tiny eyes shut tightly and hold that frail little baby in your arms. All those thoughts about how your baby would look like, when you see it for the first time and how eagerly you were waiting, rush back into your head. It is the first time you actually see what you have truly created, and are so proud of its mere existence. This is what all new parents might be going through when their first child is born. You can always think of experiencing parenting one more time, when you are deciding to have a second child. Having children is a beautiful experience, provided you know your responsibilities towards them. It's easy to decide to have a second child, but only if you have considered the possibilities of when and why. Take a look at the coming up paragraphs to find out if you should have a second child.

Deciding to Have a Child

There are many factors you have to take consider before deciding to have a second child. You don't have to rush into deciding to have a baby, as these decisions are irreversible. Thinking about every aspect of life is the best way to reach a conclusion regarding your decision. Mentioned below are some practical issues you could consider before you think you should have another baby, take a look.

Best Time

• Since, having a baby is in itself a very sensitive issue, you have to be prepared and ready to welcome it. If you have your first child, the best time to have the second one, is keeping a distance of at least two to three years. Also read about best time to get pregnant.
• This is the ideal time spacing you can keep between your children, considering many reasons. Company, being the most important factor for your first child, you also need to be prepared to give the same amount of love, care and comfort to the second one.
• If you have a second child within a year after the first, you may not be mentally and physically fit for it, and taking care of both of them can get difficult.
• Thus, when you have a gap of 3 to 4 years, the first child is old enough for certain things.

Financial Fitness

• This is another very important factor which you have to consider, while deciding to have a second child.
• With your first, you know that you can provide a descent lifestyle for the three of you, but these things might change when you want a second child.
• If you are financially healthy, and are sure that you can raise both of them, till they are old enough to earn for themselves, you are free to take the decision. Financial security is always necessary when you are thinking about child development.
• You also have to consider whether your lifestyle is safe and healthy with two children because, if you are happy and healthy, only then can you keep your family happy.

Health Issues

• When you are deciding to have a second child, you also have to consider your health in various regards. Are you fit enough to deal with a second pregnancy?
• As a couple, both of you have to be healthy and disease free, to avoid complications in your second child.
• Both of you have to be of the right age to have the second child, that is, the mother can be below 35 years and the father, below 42 years of age. If not, then consult your physician before implying your decision.
• If the mother has not had a normal pregnancy the first time, there are chances she might face complications for the second childbirth also. Thus you have to make sure, your health history is clear to give you the green signal.
• If both of you are on medications of any kind, you should make sure, these are harmless for the birth of your second child.

Apart from the above mentioned issues, there still are many things you could discuss with a family doctor, before deciding to have a second child. But, if you know that you are fit in all these aspects and are ready to pour your love for yet another creation, then surely go for it!