Poland is experiencing a baby boom, with estimates forecasting that up to 400,000 children will be born by the end of 2017, the Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily has reported.

According to the paper, the number of babies being born has been steadily growing since October last year, hitting a seven-year high in January.

The daily adds that the reason for the boom might be the government’s “500+” programme, which provides all families with two or more children with a state handout of PLN 500 (USD 124, EUR 115) a month per child.

The paper also says that the buoyant Polish job market is an important factor in the growth in the number of births.

According to the paper, the previous government’s measures, including that on extending parental leave, significantly contributed to the baby boom in Poland as well.

(tf/pk)