How did childcare costs influence decisions about having a second child in China?

Following the end of the one-child policy in 2016, the Chinese government allowed families to have two children, and later three in 2021. However, these policy shifts did not lead to a sustained increase in birth rates, as many couples remained hesitant to expand their families.123

Childcare costs played a significant role in these decisions. Couples frequently cited concerns about the financial burden of raising an additional child and a notable lack of available childcare as primary barriers to having a second child. Furthermore, many parents worried about the potential negative impact of a second child on their careers, particularly for mothers.1

In response to these social and economic challenges, the Chinese government has promised to enact supportive policy changes in areas such as childcare, education, finance, and employment to address the factors that have discouraged couples from having more children. These efforts reflect an understanding that, in modern industrial societies, the costs associated with the care and education of children represent a significant, long-term expenditure for parents.14