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The Swedish parliament recently passed a law that will allow grandparents to receive paid parental leave to care for their grandchildren, a move that observers have hailed as a pioneering step in extending childcare benefits beyond parents, the International Business Times reported.

Under the new bill, parents can transfer up to 45 days of their paid leave to other caretakers, including grandparents, while a single parent can transfer up to 90 days. The new rules allow grandparents to receive compensation for babysitting their grandchildren for up to three months during the child’s first year.

Officials explained that the eligibility requirements for grandparents are the same as those of the parents, primarily based on insurance coverage – which most Swedish citizens meet.

The changes boost Sweden’s already generous parental leave system, which allocates parents 480 days of paid leave per child, and encourages men to also take advantage. The current rules also allow parents to work reduced hours until their child is eight years old, while government employees can extend this benefit until the child is 12.

Supporters and observers said the legislation extends Sweden’s commitment to family welfare and gender equality, adding that it will further improve parents’ work-life balance, the New York Times wrote.

Swedish citizens pay some of the world’s highest taxes, but their social welfare system provides comprehensive support, including state-financed healthcare, free education up to college and generous unemployment benefits.

Research has shown that expansive parental leave programs contribute to healthier outcomes for families, benefiting both parents and children.