According to state media, the families of more than 25 million babies have received the subsidy as of last month. For families struggling with the cost of nappies, milk, clothes and healthcare, any assistance is welcome. The programme is also significant because it establishes a nationwide system rather than leaving support to a patchwork of local initiatives. However, if China hopes the subsidy will persuade more couples to have children , 300 yuan a month will not be enough. China’s birth rate has continued to fall despite the replacement of the one-child policy with a two-child policy in 2016 and a three-child policy in 2021.