Pros and cons of having a 3rd child

[Em9]

Help please!!! Can everyone please help me compile a list of pros and cons of having a 3rd. I was so content with 2 children and had no desire for another until something switched yesterday.
I’m hoping it just because it’s the end of year, work is exhausting and maybe my hormones as it’s that time of the month.
I mentioned it to dh yesterday and he is so keen for a 3rd.
Help! I wish I would just go back to being happy with 2 and the thought of 3 making me sick lol

[Meld85]

I always wanted 3 so for me it's mostly positives. The love of a third child, I have an 18 month gap between 1 and 2 but a 3.5 year gap between 2 and 3 due to miscarriages/infertility and it's always been on the back of my mind that number 3 will grow up without a sibling close in age (I am unexpectedly pregnant with #4 so that won't be problem now lol) also my older 2 were able to be taken to restaurants so it was a bit difficult going back to the baby stage...

However we didn't feel complete until #3 came and my older 2 just dote on her and she has slipped really easily into our family and routine. They fit perfectly in the back of our car and since number 2 is off to school next year I was really looking forward to some one on one time with #3. I have heard 3 is the hardest number but my experience going from 1-2 was wayyyy harder.

[Soon2be4]

Pros
The more the merrier
Christmases, Easter, birthdays are all more fun.
They have another playmate
There’s always someone around to cuddle/talk to/play with esp with 2 older siblings

Cons
It’s an extra child when you only have 2 hands
More to worry about when you go out
Another person to pay for (zoo, eating out etc)
You have to buy 3 of everything

3 is an adjustment, I found it hard but I had 3 under 3 and am loving it now youngest is nearly 2. We were content with 2 also and then number 3 happened on his own which I am very glad for.

[Em9]

My boys are 4.5 and 20 months. I had trouble falling with my second so am wondering whether it’s all too hard. Maybe I should give it a short period of trying and if it doesn’t happen that’s it.
I’m petrified of being outnumbered!

[Rachel3072]

CONS or possibly PROS depending on how you look at it...
- my number 3 was TWINS lol

[littleriv]

Hi there, we found it a tough decision and literally agonised over it for 5 years. We decided to go for it. At first having 3 was fine. Now, fast forward 6 years, it can be tough. Spreading ourselves across 3 lots of school notes, activities, homework etc. We do have to compromise. We both work full time which is probably not ideal. Of course no regrets and wouldn't change a thing, but 3 means lots more of everything lol. Overall, i say go for it, even though it can be exhausting at times.

[Em9]

CONS or possibly PROS depending on how you look at it...
- my number 3 was TWINS lol

I was thinking about this on the way to work this morning

[atomicmama]

Our first two were 7 and 4 1/2 when our third was born, so some of these issues may not apply to you;
Getting through 2 x school drop offs/pick ups, sports, birthday parties, etc., with a baby in tow is chaotic! School aged children have so much on, that I have found it much harder to get through the day when you're in the midst of sleep deprivation with a newborn.
You may have to upgrade your car.
In our area, atleast, there is a significant price increase in rentals/sales for 4 bed homes compared to 3 if you don't want your children to share.
A lot of activities and accommodation are aimed at 2 children families.
Obviously living expenses increase.

The pro is having another child to love. It just comes down to whether you consider the potential cons worth it. After being adamant that we were done with 2, we ended up deciding on one more and it has surprised me just how much she makes us feel complete.

CONS or possibly PROS depending on how you look at it...
- my number 3 was TWINS lol

I was absolutely petrified that baby number 3 would turn in to 3 and 4.

[HubbleBubble]

I found the adjustment from 2-3 the hardest in the early months. From about 4 mo onwards, it’s been much easier and I love it. Quietly, I want another!
The cons are being outnumbered and it was a bit nerve wracking trying to juggle 3 out on my own but it gets easier as days pass on.
Cars can be annoying making sure you can fit 3 seats across the back or having to buy the more expensive slimline ones to make it fit.
Obviously the added cost of another mouth etc and that will accumulate over time but I was lucky in that things like cot, clothes etc I had kept.
The older two have been lovely with him and I was worried as the dynamics with our two were already so great. I was afraid a 3rd would ruin it but I think it’s even better. Wouldn’t change it for the world.

[BornToBe]

I don't find from 2-3 too much of a big deal. You likely have hand me down baby items & clothes, they will all fit in the car, etc. I'd never send my third back...