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get on brilliantly, and play really well together, and because they are of a similar age they are into a lot of the same things which makes my life easier.

What are the advantages of a larger age gap - A child of three, four, or older will understand about a new baby brother or sister better and can actually be very helpful (fetching nappies, keeping the baby entertained with silly faces etc), also you would have had ample time to enjoy and get to know one child before the arrival of another.

What are the disadvantages of a larger age gap - A large gap can mean that they are at completely different stages in their childhood, and they will be interested in different things which can mean keeping them both entertained more of a challenge.

Louise in mother to Katie 7 and Thomas 2,

I had my children five years apart and it worked well for me, Katie had just started school when Thomas was born and it meant I had lots of time to enjoy and bond with Thomas. Katie was excited about being a big sister and was actually really helpful when he was a baby. Now Thomas is a little older they have started playing more together and apart from the usual squabbles brothers and sisters have they get on really well.

Whatever the age of the child, probably the most important thing to do in those early days is to give your child as much attention as possible, they need to know that you still love them, and that this new baby is not going to take you away from them.

In the long term the sometimes difficult relationship between siblings is giving your children valuable lessons and experiences right from the start that can help them throughout their life.

So just remember that although there will problems along the way, your children will be forging a bond that will last a lifetime, and that is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Diss.
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