The decline of baby fever: what’s going on?
Not too long ago, the so-called “American Dream” was simple: get married, buy a house, and have a couple of kids. Fast forward to today, and that dream has had a serious rebrand. In 2023, the U.S. fertility rate plummeted to a record low of 1.62 births per woman—a 3% decline from 2022. The total number of births hit 3.59 million, the lowest since 1979, and 2024 isn’t shaping up to be any better.
So, what happened? Are we all just allergic to babies now? Not quite. The answer is a mix of skyrocketing costs, changing social norms, and a new generation redefining a modernized “American Dream”. Let’s break it down.
Are babies a luxury now?
Once upon a time, having kids was just part of life. Now? It’s starting to feel like an extravagant expense—right up there with buying a second home or driving a Tesla. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, daycare and preschool prices have spiked by an insane 263% since 1991. And if that wasn’t enough to make your wallet cry, consider this: raising a child from birth to 18 used to cost $128,700 in the ’90s. Now? It’s $312,200, and that’s just covering the basics.
Think about it: if two people with solid, well-paying jobs can’t save up that kind of money in a year (or even a few years) for a child alone, how are everyday Americans and single parents supposed to manage? To make matters worse, only 25% of Americans have access to paid parental leave, which means a lot of new parents are forced to choose between bonding with their newborn or keeping food on the table. At this point, kids aren’t just a blessing—they’re practically a financial risk.
The right Person? good luck
It’s no secret that raising a child alone is incredibly difficult—financially, emotionally, and physically. But in a world where fewer people are finding “the one”, starting a family becomes even more complicated. According to Pew Research, when asked why they haven’t had kids yet, 33% of Americans responded that they simply haven’t found the right partner. That’s a huge shift from our grandparents’ era, where getting married and having a family was the default.
But it makes sense. Marriage rates have been declining for decades, and your typical healthy relationship isn’t what it used to be. Finding a supportive, healthy partnership isn’t as simple as working toward a good income. It’s tough out there! And let’s be real, social media doesn’t make it any easier. Many of my own friends have already ditched the idea of marriage and kids—not because they don’t want love, but because they’ve never been in a relationship that felt right.
And honestly? I don’t blame them. With 16 million people in the U.S. suffering from intimate partner abuse each year, it’s no wonder many people are hesitant to tie themselves to someone for life—let alone raise a child with them. It’s a lot. And when you combine that with financial struggles it’s clear why fewer people are taking the leap into parenthood.
Gen Z: Living life on your own terms
If millennials were the first to push back on traditional life paths, Gen Z has taken it to a whole new level. Simply put: many of them just don’t want kids—and they’re not afraid to say it. Instead of prioritizing family life, Gen Z is focused on freedom, personal growth, and financial stability. They value traveling, work-life balance, and mental health more than any generation before them.
Still, you can’t say they aren’t ambitious! According to a Deloitte study, 49% of Gen Z say their career is a central part of their identity. That’s a stark contrast from past generations, where family life was considered the foundation of adulthood. Instead of picturing a white picket fence and a couple of kids, many young people today dream of flexible work schedules, pursuing their passions, and investing in their own well-being.
And if I’m being real? That’s kind of refreshing. It’s wild how the American Dream has evolved. It used to be about settling down, but now it’s changed to figuring yoursef out—and for many, that doesn’t include raising kids.
The bottom line: Times are changing—and that’s okay
For so long, society has been quick to criticize both women and men who don’t want kids, calling them selfish or misguided. But the truth is, parenthood is NOT for everyone—and that’s okay! Kids are a massive commitment, financially and emotionally, and it’s time we start celebrating those who choose different paths instead of shaming them!
The world is changing, and so are we. And truthfully, that’s not a problem to solve—it’s a reality to understand.