Title: 8 Economic Insights We’re Grateful For – A Deep Dive into Their Significance This Thanksgiving season, we at Planet Money and The Indicator are grateful for the economic insights that have improved our lives or simply fascinated us. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into one such insight: “Car Seats as Contraception.” This paper by economists Marianna Kudlyak and Daniel Saks explores how car-seat laws and the high prices of three-row cars have led to a decrease in birth rates. The title of this paper, “Car Seats as Contraception,” is both catchy and thought-provoking. It highlights an interesting phenomenon where couples who want to limit their family size find themselves facing a dilemma: they can either buy a larger car that accommodates the growing family or continue using their current vehicle without meeting safety standards for multiple children in car seats. This decision often leads them to reconsider having more kids, as it would mean investing in an expensive three-row car. According to Kudlyak and Saks’ research, this situation has resulted in approximately 145,000 fewer births in the United States since 1980. While these numbers may seem small when compared to the overall population, they represent families who have made conscious decisions based on economic factors rather than personal preferences or desires. The implications of this study are far-reaching and provide valuable insights into how economic policies can influence family planning choices. It also highlights the importance of considering all aspects of a policy before implementation – in this case, the potential impact on families’ financial situations and their decisions regarding childbirth. From our perspective, “Car Seats as Contraception” is not only an intriguing title but also a fascinating exploration into how seemingly unrelated factors can influence significant life choices like having children. We are grateful for this economic insight that has shed light on the complex interplay between economics and personal decisions.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/planet-money/2025/11/25/g-s1-98752/8-economic-insights-were-grateful-for)
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