Childcare Strategies for Ages 0 to 3 in Spain

Abstract

This study analyses the childcare strategies of mothers with children aged 0-3 and using data from the 2018 Spanish Fertility Survey to identify their socio-demographic profiles. Four groups of women were identified according to the resources available: Spanish partnered working mothers, Spanish unemployed partnered mothers, Spanish single mothers and foreign mothers living in Spain. The results showed that most used a combination of care strategies, although decisions were subject to work and family situations. Multinomial logistic regression models confirmed that despite the prevalence of formal care, care provided by relatives remained important. Although the factors influencing family strategies varied, family composition was an important determinant in care decisions.