Latest data from YouGov’s consumer sentiment tracker shows that among Singaporeans aged 18–44 years, a key age group for starting or growing a family, a notable share remain open to having children in the future. Around one in five (22%) do not currently have children but may want them in the future, while a further 18% say they want children. Another 9% already have children and may want more in the future. However, nearly a quarter (23%) do not currently have children and do not intend to have them in the future.
For those who want to have children or are open to having more, the strongest motivations are an inherent liking for children (43%) and the belief that children add meaning to life (42%). More than a third (36%) see having children as the natural next step after marriage, while a quarter (25%) say they would regret not having children later in life. A further 23% want children to continue their bloodline, while 15% believe having children contributes positively to Singapore’s future.
Marital status also plays a role. Married Singaporeans in this age group are more likely than their single counterparts to name almost all these motivations for having children or having more children.
However, affordability remains the biggest barrier among those who do not want children or do not want more children. Half (51%) say they cannot afford to raise children in Singapore to the standard they would like, with this concern particularly strong among married Singaporeans (57%). More than a third (39%) say having children would affect their current lifestyle, while 38% see parenthood as too great a responsibility. More than a fifth (22%) believe having children would affect their career, while 29% are content with the number of children they already have.
Income also shapes these concerns. Singaporeans earning SGD 10,000 or more per month are more likely than those in lower- and middle-income groups to cite affordability and the potential impact on their lifestyle as reasons for not wanting children or more children. This suggests that the cost of parenthood is a consideration even among higher-income households, alongside concerns about maintaining their current lifestyle.
When asked what employers could do to better support or encourage them to have children, workplace flexibility stands out by a wide margin as the most valued form of employer support, reported by 55%, more than twice the share selecting employer-provided childcare support (24%). This is followed by reduced working hours during early parenthood (19%) and greater job security (17%).
However, support from employers may have its limits. Nearly three in ten (29%) say there is nothing their employer could do that would make them more willing to have children.
Government policies show a similar pattern. Lower-cost preschool and childcare is the policy most likely to encourage parenthood, cited by 35% of Singaporeans aged 20–44. This is followed by improved work-life balance through national policies and increased cash incentives, quoted by 31% each.
Yet financial and policy support may not be enough for everyone. Three in ten (30%) say no government policy would make them more willing to have children, rising to 36% among higher-income individuals.
Commenting on this, Chi Wei Teo, General Manager at YouGov Singapore, said, “The findings suggest that while a sizeable proportion of Singaporeans within the prime reproductive age group remain open to parenthood, the decision is shaped by a combination of financial considerations, lifestyle priorities and perceptions of the responsibilities involved. For employers and policymakers, greater flexibility and practical support around childcare may help address some of the barriers, although a significant minority remain unlikely to be swayed by additional support.”
Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. The findings are based on responses from 496 Singaporean adults aged 18-44, collected in July 2026. YouGov will continue tracking public sentiment around the macroeconomic trends in the months ahead. Learn more about Singapore consumer sentiment tracker.