Montréal, February 26, 2026. – Infections are just as common at 2 ½ years of age as they are at 1 ½ years: nearly half (48%) of toddlers had at least four infections (ear infection, stomach flu, cold with fever, etc.) over a 12-month period. There was however an increase in the proportion of toddlers who contracted at least one gastro-intestinal infection (39% to 50%). In total, more than a third (36%) of toddlers aged 2 ½ years contracted at least 10 infections over two years.
This information comes from the Institut de la statistique du Québec’s publication entitled La santé des tout-petits d’environ deux ans et demi et son évolution depuis la naissance (in French only) based on the longitudinal study Growing Up in Québec. This study is following more than 4,000 children born in Québec in 2020–2021 until they reach adulthood.
Antibiotics use is as frequent at the age of 2 ½ years as it is at 1 ½ years
About 11% of children aged two and a half took at least four courses of antibiotics in the 12 months preceding the survey. Nearly a third (30%) of toddlers aged 2 ½ years have taken at least four courses of antibiotics since birth.
Rise in chronic health conditions among toddlers
By the age of 2 ½ years, almost 34% of children had been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition (asthma, allergy, food intolerance, etc.) by a health care professional, a proportion that is up from the 17% observed at the age of 1 ½ years.
Nearly 8% of toddlers aged 2 ½ years have a chronic health condition that limits their daily activities.
Injuries requiring medical attention
Between birth and the age of two and a half, approximately 13% of children suffered at least one injury that was serious enough to require medical attention from a doctor, nurse or dentist. Over that period:
- 2.3% of children had at least one concussion.
- 2.9% of children had at least one broken or fractured bone.
- 8.5% of children had another serious injury (deep cut, severe burn, sprain, etc.).
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. The study 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 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 an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.