Montréal, November 20, 2024. – The proportion of breastfed babies has increased significantly in Québec since the late 1990s: the breastfeeding rate in the first four months of life has risen from 41% for babies born in 1997–1998 to 66% for babies born in 2020–2021.
These are some of the findings from the Institut de la statistique du Québec’s report entitled La santé, l’alimentation et le sommeil des bébés based on the longitudinal study Growing Up in Québec. 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. The 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.
Exclusive breastfeeding rates remain well below targets, but babies are breastfed exclusively longer than before
In terms of exclusive breastfeeding—providing breast milk without combining it with any other types of liquids or solid foods—52% of babies born at the hospital or birthing centre in 2020–2021 were exclusively breastfed at their place of birth. This is below the 75% target set by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) as part of the Baby-Friendly Initiative.
On the longer term, however, exclusive breastfeeding rates have increased, as 29% of babies born in 2020–2021 were exclusively breastfed during their first four months of life, compared to 6% of babies born in 1997–1998.
Most babies are getting enough sleep
At the age of about 5 months, three quarters (75%) of babies were sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day, as recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society. About half (49%) of babies aged at least 5 months at the time of the survey were sleeping through the night, meaning at least six hours straight during nighttime.
In the month before the survey, about 13% of babies aged at least 5 months did not wake up at night; 52% woke up once or twice; and 35% woke up three times or more.
Health inequalities begin early in life
The vast majority of babies are considered to be in excellent health (71%) or in very good health (21%) by their parents. The proportion of babies perceived to be less healthy, meaning either in good, fair or poor health (7%), was higher among:
- Babies in single-parent families (12%)
- Babies whose two parents (or single parent) were born outside Canada (12%)
- Babies in low-income households (10%)
Access to a family doctor or paediatrician
At the time of the survey, about 10% of babies did not have a family doctor or paediatrician. This proportion was higher among:
- Babies in single-parent families (21%)
- Babies whose two parents (or single parent) were born outside Canada (21%)
- Babies in low-income households (20%)
Read the highlights (in French only)
Read the full report (in French only) (PDF, 3,7 Ko)
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. The 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 and at certain key moments.
Learn more about Growing Up in Québec (2020–2021 cohort)
Learn more about the first edition of the study (1997–1998 cohort)
For 25 years, the Institut de la statistique du Québec has been producing, analyzing, and disseminating official, objective and high-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 an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.