2024-03-09 23:50:59
The bond between siblings is unique and lasting, but what is the ideal age difference for this special connection to flourish? The answer, according to science, may surprise many.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends waiting at least 24 months between pregnancies to ensure adequate recovery of the mother’s body. However, the decision to have another child falls on the woman or couple.
What does scientific research say?
A study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open yielded intriguing results: The optimal age difference between siblings for the best health outcomes could be 18 to 23 months. This implies that the children would have an age difference of 27 to 32 months, that is, between two years three months and two years six months.
Researchers suggest that conceiving soon after the first pregnancy may increase risks, such as prematurity, and that a short interval between pregnancies may prevent the mother’s body from fully recovering from physical and emotional stress.
What about the relationship between siblings?
According to the specialized portal Club Familias, the ideal age difference for siblings to get along is between one and four years. This gap allows them to share interests and activities more closely, facilitating a stronger and more lasting connection.
Ultimately, sibling connection is influenced by a variety of factors, including the time between pregnancies and the relative age between children. However, parental love and care play a crucial role in forming strong, positive relationships between siblings, regardless of the age difference.
