Year 2000 baby boom - Definition and Overview

The year 2000 saw a mini baby boom, with several contributing factors believed to be extant.

• Many couples wanted to have a "millennium baby" because it would be a once in a life time occasion, and postponed or brought forward their planned children to aim for childbirth during the "special" year.
• It was the year of "Golden Dragon" according to the Chinese zodiac. Chinese families around the world brought forward their decisions to extend their families during this time of good omen.
• The preceding boom in many stock markets brought money and good feelings to young professionals who were of child-bearing age, their newly gained sense of wealth encouraging parenthood.

The boom was very short-lived. However, millennium babies noticeably outnumbered those born in the preceding and following years.

The surge in population for one particular year group puts a strain on educational systems from nurseries to universities. Special classes must be opened to accommodate the increase of students for that particular age.