Risk of Developmental Delays of Children Born Close Together

Increased Risk of Autism

• When a second child is conceived within 12 months of the first baby's birth, the second baby is three times more likely to have autism, reports a 2011 study published in "Pediatrics," the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The study found that children conceived between 12 and 23 months after the first child's birth are nearly twice as likely to have autism, and children conceived between 24 and 35 months of the first birth are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from the affliction. It is suggested that stress and depleted nutrient levels may contribute to these numbers as well.

First Child's Development

• Having a second child too soon can lead to developmental problems with the first child, notes a 2012 study found in "Maternal and Child Health Journal." This study focuses on at-risk children and notes that the first child is more likely to experience neglectful parenting because the parents focus all of their attention on the new baby. This leads to lower cognitive functioning for these children once they begin school, in addition to potential behavior problems.

Subsequent Children's Development

• It is possible that all children born within a 24-month period can experience development problems when they attend school. A 2006 study by researchers at Stockholm University called "Does Child Spacing Affect Children̵7;s Outcomes? Evidence from a Swedish Reform" reports that a law allowing an extended maternal leave caused a four- to seven-month reduction in birth spacing in Sweden. During the same time, the country saw test scores in compulsory school drop and the number of students attending post-secondary institutions decrease by 3 to 8 percent. The researchers concluded that the incentives provided to mothers to have children in quick succession led to an overall delay in the country's child development.

Natural Child Spacing

• If you are concerned about child spacing, you might want to try doing it naturally. As long as the mother is breastfeeding the first child, it is unlikely that she will get pregnant because her body won't allow her to ovulate. When practicing natural child spacing, allow the baby to breastfeed whenever she wishes, do not train her to sleep through the night and delay the introduction of solid foods until the baby is at least 6 months old, suggests AskDrSears.com.