Younger children get care, parents get relief

According to a 2021 survey conducted by the Social Research Center of China Youth Daily among 1,938 people born in the 1980s and 1990s, more than half the respondents thought there were not enough qualified nursery centers.

Since the universal three-child policy took effect last May, new initiatives were launched to encourage births. Maternity and parental leave have been prolonged in many provinces and regions. Care expenses for kids under the age of 3 have been included in the special individual income tax deduction, and various kinds of child care centers and facilities like Sunshine are being established.

At present, up to 80 kids can be accommodated in the Hemu nursery center which covers 1,700 square meters and features a 1,000 sq m outdoor activity space.

"The care service fully satisfies the need for parents in Hemu," said Zhou Cheng, a daycare staff member.

Chen decided not to have a second baby because of her health. "I would love to have a second child because of the convenience of child care in the Hemu community and the favorable policies, but unfortunately I will soon be at an advanced maternal age," she said.

The nursery center also asks fathers to participate in parent-child activities, the principal said. It offers parents lectures about better natal and prenatal care, better upbringing and parent-child activities including playing with building blocks, drawing, arts and crafts and singing. Chen and her son have attended classes before.

"We are going to build a safe and pleasant environment for our next generations to grow up," Zhou Cheng said.

Mi Qiqi contributed to this story.