Here’s an inconvenient truth: Countries with great childcare policies also have declining birth rates.
I talk to a lot of investors, and the question is always this: “Will the business of childcare suffer because of declining birth rates?”
And my go-to answer has been: “You’re missing the point! If we had great childcare infrastructure, we might not be seeing this decline in the first place.”
But then I looked a little closer.
Table of Contents
The Data
Turns out, countries with the best childcare benefits have some of the lowest birth rates:
๐ธ๐ช Sweden: 1.52
๐ฎ๐ธ Iceland: 1.59
๐ฑ๐บ Luxembourg: 1.31
So here’s what I’m sitting with โ one good truth, one not so great.
The Not-So-Great Reality
The only time we’ve seen birth rates rise significantly in free societies was after World War II during the baby boom.
Most other increases? They’ve come from restriction and control โ like Romania under Ceauศescu.
This paints a complex picture that challenges our assumptions about what drives family growth in modern societies.
The Good News
Even if care infrastructure doesn’t cause a baby boom, it still matters. A lot. It supports existing families, folks considering growing a family, and it supports a parent’s ability to have stronger relationships with their childfree grownup friends and family too.
Quality childcare infrastructure creates a foundation that allows families to thrive, regardless of whether it leads to population growth.
Our Role
At Smart Sitting, we’re working on the in-home piece of that puzzle:
๐ฉโ๐ง Partner traveling next week?
โณ Need backup between the end of school and the start of camp?
This is our specialty.
The Real Point
Because the point isn’t forcing people to have more kids.
The point is supporting them if they do. ๐
Ready to experience the peace of mind that comes with reliable, in-home childcare? Connect with Smart Sitting today and discover how we can support your family’s unique needs.