Montréal, March 19, 2024. – The families of babies born in Québec in the early 2020s seem to be in a better economic situation than the families of babies born in the late 1990s. At the age of about 5 months, babies born in 2020–2021 were less likely than babies born in 1997–1998 to be living in low-income households (21% vs. 26%) and more likely to be living in homeowner households (67% vs. 59%). The proportion of babies whose mother was working when their child was about 5 months of age has decreased significantly, from 17% in 1998 to 4.7% in 2021–2022. This decline is partly due to the implementation of the Québec Parental Insurance Plan.
These are some of the findings from Le milieu de vie des bébés, the first report based on the longitudinal study Growing Up in Québec released by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ). This large-scale study is following more than 4,000 children born in 2020–2021 until they reach adulthood. Its objective is to better understand what can influence the development and well-being of Québec children. A first edition of the study was conducted among children born in 1997–1998, which means it is now possible to compare the reality of two cohorts of children born approximately 25 years apart.
Families are slightly larger and parents are older
At about 5 months of age, babies born in 2020–2021 were less likely than babies born in 1997–1998 to be living in single-parent families (5% vs. 9%). They were also more likely to be living with at least two other children aged 0 to 17 (23% vs. 19%).
The proportion of babies born to teenage mothers (under 20 years of age) or to mothers aged 20 to 24 decreased between the two editions of the study. Conversely, the proportion of babies born to mothers aged 35 to 39 or 40 and over increased.
Higher proportion of immigrant parents
The proportion of babies whose biological mother was born outside Canada rose from 15% in 1998 to 26% in 2021–2022. The situation is similar for biological fathers (16% in 1998 vs. 28% in 2021–2022). The proportion of babies living in a family where French is the language spoken most often at home by their parents was down to 71% in 2021–2022 from 75%.
Difficult living conditions for some babies born in 2020–2021
Although the economic situation of the families of babies has improved in some respects, a non-negligible proportion of children born in 2020–2021 still began their lives in unfavourable conditions:
- 8% were living in a family that had run out of money to buy food.
- 11% were living in a family that had run out of money to pay the rent or mortgage.
- 8% moved between their birth and the age of about 5 months.
- 10% were living in a dwelling considered overcrowded.
Read the highlights (in French only)
Read the full report (in French only)
About the study
The Growing Up in Québec study was started to fulfill a need for knowledge about the development of children born in Québec. This second edition of the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development is carried out by the Institut de la statistique du Québec in collaboration with various partners, and is funded by the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, the Ministère de la Famille, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, the Ministère de l’Éducation, the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, the Conseil de gestion de l’assurance parentale, and the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
The first data collection took place from May 2021 to March 2022, when most of the children were about 5 months old. These children will be monitored annually until the age of 7, meaning until they are in Grade 2. Afterwards, data should be collected every two years, as well as at certain key moments.
The ISQ will be holding a seminar on the study during the next Acfas conference on May 14 at the University of Ottawa.
Learn more about Growing Up in Québec (2020–2021 cohort)
Learn more about the first edition of the study (1997–1998 cohort)
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.