3 is the new 2

Since the 1970s, the average American family has had 2 children, preferably one of each. But that trend is changing and now more families are opting for 3 or more.

According to an article in The Allentown Morning Call by Kathy Lauer-Williams,

The National Center for Health Statistics reports a 3 percent increase in births in 2006, the largest number of births in more than 50 years; and for the first time since 1971, the average number of children increaed to 2.1. This is the first time the fertility rate was above the level at which a generation can replace itself. According to the statistics, 28 percent of babies bron are the third or higher child in a family.

Apparently, the fertility rate fell as low as 1.7 in the 1980s and 1990s due to couples waiting to have kids in their 30s and 40s. However, it seems that couples aren't waiting as long to have kids now and that's why we're seeing the increase.

3 is the new 2

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2008/05/3-in-new-2.html