Waiting to Have Baby #2 Could Make Baby #1 Smarter

A lot of new moms wonder when’s the right time to try for baby #2. And there are tons of things that can go into that decision: wanting siblings who’ll want play together, wanting to have the first one out of diapers before the next one comes along. Or simply wanting to know you can afford two kids financially before taking the plunge. So is there an ideal amount of time to wait? Well, a new study suggests it’s at least two years.

In the study, researchers at the University of Notre Dame compiled data on over 12,000 young people and found that -- between ages five and seven -- kids whose siblings were more than two years younger had higher reading and math test scores than kids whose siblings were less than two years younger did. In the younger siblings though, spacing had no effect on their test scores.

Experts say it might has to do with the attention kids get from parents during their first two years -- maybe more of it means more one-on-one opportunities to teach.

What do you think -- what’s the ideal spacing between siblings?

Plus, more from The Bump:

More Pregnancy and Parenting News

Are You Ready for Baby #2?

You Know You're a Mom When...

-- Elena Donovan Mauer

See More: Parenting Styles , Toddler Basics , Mommy Life