Trump's administration looks for ways to increase birth rate
Taking care of a baby in the US should cost 7% of the media annual incomes. However, the percentage exceeds the 30%.
The "Baby Bonus", a White House initiative that provides $5,000 to families with newborns, aims to combat the decline in the USA’s birthrate. Over the past two years, this percentage has increased by less than 1%, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This decrease is due to the rising costs of child care. Between 2020 and 2024, these costs have increased by 29%, amounting to a $13,128 bill per child every year. Also, the median mother’s income that requires this amount is 35%, compared to 32% last year.
The latest recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that child care costs should only amount to 7% of annual incomes.
The first rough years
It is not surprising that the preschool years are the most financially difficult for child care. According to Child Care Aware, having two children in daycare costs 19% more than the monthly rent in 49 states. This also exceeds the annual mortgage payments in 45 states.
Also, in 41 states, including Washington, it cost more the annual care of a baby than the college registration, between 0.8% and 100%.
"There is no doubt that parents and individuals are taking a step back and that costs affect the decision to expand the family or not," Bryan Jamele, director of government affairs and public policy at Care.com, told CNN. Care.com is an online service where families can look for child or elder care services.
Trump's government recognize the issues
The White House admits that there are financial challenges facing American families. Their response is a presidential memo from January outlining ways to reduce costs.
Jamele, meanwhile, said that strong financial support from the federal government is needed. He affirms that good child care policies are necessary for the future and for the growth of families in the coming years.
"It is fundamental that the government, employees, and the child care sector work together. The solution must be reflective and holistic," he affirmed..
