China Braces for Dragon-Year Baby Boom

(Newser) – Babies born in the Chinese year of the dragon are believed to have lives marked by success and fortune—so China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other countries are expecting a baby boom to begin right around Jan. 23. That's the first day of the Chinese New Year, and this year the 12-animal zodiac returns to the dragon. Twelve years ago, births in Hong Kong increased 5%; Chinese state news expects a similar figure for China this year, the BBC reports. It's a boon for baby-centered industries: Diaper sales are likely to jump 17%.

Of course, "more people means more competition" at school and work for dragon babies, says a sociology professor. And while it's good news for Taiwan after it saw the world's lowest fertility rate last year—0.9 babies per woman—it will pose a challenge in China. "This will put a lot of pressure on hospitals, kindergartens, and schools," says an expert. Still, the kids will tough it out, says a feng shui group leader. "'When the dragon wants to do something, there will be no stopping him."