Supersized families: More couples in Singapore are not stopping at two

Over 2,000 babies born last year are at least fourth child in family, even as total births hit new low

Madam Elliawati Mohamed Ali, 39, and her husband Mr Idwan Sa’at, 45, are parents to 10 children, aged five months old to 16 years old.
While more couples are having bigger families, Singapore's total fertility rate of 1.16 last year is far below the 2.1 needed for the population to replace itself.
While more couples are having bigger families, Singapore's total fertility rate of 1.16 last year is far below the 2.1 needed for the population to replace itself.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
  • Published
    Jul 24, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
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A small but growing number of couples in Singapore are choosing to have a large brood, possibly heartened by pro-family policies such as the enhanced baby bonus payouts, say experts.

Financial stability and religious beliefs could also have influenced their decisions, they added.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 24, 2018, with the headline 'More couples in S'pore are not stopping at two'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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