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
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
That one-on-one time is priceless. Source: Flickr user Fadzly Mubin
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
And homework helper, soccer coach, and advice provider. Source: Flickr user Luc De Leeuw
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 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
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