Singapore to trial childminding service for infants as an alternative to infant care centers

infant beside a plush toy

Are you a working parent with an infant or having a newborn on the way?

Then this post would be relevant to you.

The government is planning to try out a childminding service to supplement infant care centers.

This pilot program will care for 500 kids between 2 months and 18 months in the first year, and then increase to 700 kids after that.

Childminders, also known as nannies, used to be common in Singapore back in the 70s and 80s.

But now it seems like parents don’t know where to find trusted childminders.

Or perhaps some think that childminding may cost more than other options like infant care centers.

What are the real costs involved?

This new childminding service should cost about $700/month.

That’s similar to what median-income families pay at major infant care centers where fees at those centers are capped at $1,235 per month for Singaporeans.

But if you’re a working mom, you can receive subsidies of at least $600/month.

Private childminding, usually with home-based nannies, costs between $1,200 to $2,800/month.

Unlike centers, the government doesn’t regulate these prices.

The good news for the pilot program is that you can use money from the Child Development Account (CDA) to pay for childminding.

What’s the hiring process like?

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will appoint operators, and in turn, these operators will hire the childminders.

Each childminder can care for up to 3 infants at a time and this could be at their own home, or at community centers/clubs nearby where there is high demand. 

babies' feet

Image Credits: unsplash.com

All operators must follow set rules to keep the kids safe.

For instance, having guidelines for safety and letting you know about the profile of these childminders.

The childminders will also need to be formally trained to care for infants. 

The government will conduct background checks on operators and childminders and work with operators to set industry standards too.

What are the benefits?

Childminding offers flexibility compared to centers with lots of kids.

And FYI, centers usually don’t take in sick kids.

With childminding, parents like yourself can choose what works best for your family’s needs and preferences.

Since not everyone prefers the structured setting of centers, there may be a demand for more flexible hours or individualized child care at home.

The bigger goal is to grow childminding as another affordable and reliable option for parents.

With that said, the government wants to set baseline rules without limiting the types of services provided or reducing how many parents can use childminding.

Currently, there are no formal regulations for childminding or babysitting.

Anyway, more details will come in the 2nd half of 2024 after more discussion with parents, childminders, and operators.

So stay tuned for the next update.

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7 Practical Hacks to Save Money on Diapers

What’s one of the biggest daily costs of new parents? Diapers. When it comes to infant care, diapers are non-negotiable! Diapers will play a vital part in your baby’s life until the time when your baby experiences potty training. Your newborn will constantly need diaper changes and stocking up on diapers before your baby arrives saves you time and effort.

For parents, getting the best diapers for your baby burns a hole in your pocket. What if we tell you that there are hacks to save money on diapers in Singapore? This article comes with practical and simple tips to support your infant care. Let’s get started!

#1: BUY DIAPERS IN BULK

If you have multiple children in diapers at the same time, it can be costly to maintain a household stocked with diapers. A way to save money is to buy diapers in bulk. Buying in bulk usually saves you money on the “per diaper cost”.

You can order bulk purchases online or purchase them at groceries such as Jin Tai Mart. Jin Tai Mart proudly offers cheap diapers and cheap milk powders islandwide.

#2: STICK TO YOUR GO-TO TRUSTED BRANDS

Varied brands can have different effects on your babies. After trying a few brands, see what fits your baby best. Which brands keep your baby dry, rash-free, and clean throughout the day? Stick to these trusted brands to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to sales, while keeping your baby’s safety a priority.

#3: CONSIDER SWITCHING TO CLOTH DIAPERS

Cloth diapers are long-term investments, which are recyclable and adjustable to the size of your baby. Using cloth diapers is not for everyone, but if you are keen on trying it out, it can maximize your savings.

The catch is that you will have to spend a bit more upfront to stock your cloth diaper supply. After completing your initial purchase, you will only spend on detergent. Cloth diapers retail for as low as S$0.75 in Shopee.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: WATCH OUT FOR COUPONS

Couponing can help you save money when diaper shopping. If you are buying online, search for both the brand the store coupon codes. Online retailers such as Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 often come up with special deals for its shoppers. Watch out for this!

#5: WAIT FOR SALES

If you are hesitant to invest in bulk purchasing because of its seemingly high price tag, you may want to wait for sales. Firstly, sign-up for email notifications from your trusted diaper brands to stay alerted when they have a promotion. Secondly, you can check out online retailers or physical stores for seasonal promotions such as the Mother’s Day event.

#6: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE BABY SAMPLES

Many well-known brands such as MamyPoko, Huggies, and Merries offer FREE diaper samples to their customers. Take advantage of these samples!

You can get free MamyPoko diaper samples and be part of the Poko-Chan Point Program to reap the member’s benefits. For Huggies, you can get a free diaper sample by joining their Huggies® Club. Lastly, you can request a free Merries Tape diaper or join their rewards program through their website.

#7: JOIN THE REWARDS PROGRAMS

Joining rewards programs like the ones mentioned above can help you gain purchase points and other exclusive benefits. This works out particularly well if you find your baby does better with a specific diaper brand than others.

Baby diapers eat a huge chunk of your budget during your little one’s early years. Even a few cents of savings per diaper will add up to quite a lot in the long run! We hope that this article helps.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Weighing the benefits of infant care/playgroup vs. parenting at home before nursery

infants having a lesson

When it comes to deciding whether or not to send your child to an infant care/playgroup, the options can feel endless. 

Hopefully, this article will help you make an informed decision that works best for your family.

Benefits of infant care/playgroup

Spending time in a preschool allows your little ones to interact with adults and peers, which helps to increase their social skills.

Kindergartens also offer a structured environment that helps children learn and grow. They provide a safe place for kids to explore and learn about the world around them.

In addition, children who attend school have stronger immune systems, which makes infant care/playgroup an attractive option for parents who are looking for a place to care for their kids while they work.

Caregiver-child ratio in infant care/playgroup

One of the most crucial factors to consider is the caregiver-child ratio. This is the number of children each caregiver is responsible for.

Ideally, the caregiver-child ratio in infant care should be 1:5 and 1:8 for playgroups. This allows for enough one-on-one time with each child and ensures that they’re getting the attention they need.

However, some facilities may have a higher or lower ratio. Make sure to ask about this before you enroll your child.

Common concerns about infant care/playgroup
an infant care facility

Image Credits: bykido.com

Is sending your child to an infant care/playgroup the right decision for your family? Here are some questions to consider:

  • What are the daycare hours like?
  • Do the facilities look safe for children?
  • How often are meals and snacks provided?
  • What is the cost of care, and are there any discounts for siblings?
  • Are parents allowed to visit at any time, or is there a specific window during which visits are welcome?
  • How often do parents receive updates about their child’s day, and what methods are used to send these updates (app, website, emails, or a handbook)?
Importance of bonding with parents in early childhood

You might be wondering about the significance of bonding with your child in their early life.

And it’s a valid question—after all, you’re considering sending them to infant care, so it’s natural to want to know if there are any benefits to being around them more often during this crucial time.

Bonding with your child releases hormones and chemicals that foster brain growth. So yes, bonding with your child is important for their development. But that doesn’t mean you have to be with them 24/7.

So, what’s the verdict? Is infant care/playgroup necessary or can parents care for their child at home effectively? Well, it depends. Some parents feel they need a break from the constant caregiving that infant care/playgroup provides, and others find that the arrangement allows them to get work done during the day. Some parents find that infant care provides their child with a wealth of social opportunities, while others find that their child thrives best when they are at home. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for the individual family and your financial leeway.

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Here are 5 preschools offering full-day infant care services under S$1,500/month

infant with a teacher at mealtime

Are you planning for your first child? Or got a baby on the way and you’re arranging to have the little one spend their days at a childcare centre?

We’ve heard many parents feeling bad about leaving their newborns at infant care. But if you prefer not to trouble your parents or in-laws and don’t want to get a helper, then infant care might be the to-go option.

We’ve put together 5 preschools offering full-day infant care services under S$1,500/month. Read on!

#1: E-Bridge Pre-School

E-Bridge Pre-School

We will start the ball rolling with E-Bridge Pre-School, which is a member of EtonHouse International Education Group founded in 1995. There are centres throughout Singapore in the North, North-East, East, and the West.

Their full-day infant care programme runs from 7am to 7pm and costs S$1,275 (before GST) for Singapore citizens. However, there are also other fees to pay – non-refundable registration fee, student insurance, and a one-month refundable deposit.

#2: Skool4Kidz

Skool4Kidz

Skool4Kidz is part of Kinderland Educare Services. Their unique Integrated Thematic Curriculum is planned out by Dr Jane Ching-Kwan, an early childhood expert with a PhD in Child Development & Family Studies (specialization in Children and Technology).

You can expect your child to undergo an age and needs-appropriate infant care & toddler programme at their centres. The cost of infant care is at S$1,360 (inclusive of GST) for Singapore citizens. Also, the standard registration fee, deposit, cost of insurance, and uniforms will apply.

#3: PCF Sparkletots

PCF Sparkletots

Next, we have PCF Sparkletots by PAP Community Foundation in third place. They claim to be Singapore’s largest preschool operator with over 360 preschools islandwide. You can easily locate a PCF Sparkletots early years centre near you by clicking through the link.

Catered for infants from 2 months old, PCF Sparkletots early years centres operate from 7am to 7pm (full day) from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 2pm (half day) on Saturday. The monthly fee for Singapore citizens is S$1,364.20 (with GST). Other payments include registration fee, annual insurance, and cost of uniforms.

#4: My First Skool

My First Skool

My First Skool is the pre-school arm of NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) First Campus Co-operative. Opened since 1977, they have more than 140 preschools in Singapore. If you’re interested in their new Early Years Centres (EYC), there are three within the Punggol region at the moment.

Similar to PCF Sparkletots, they open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays. Sundays and public holidays are non-operational days. Singaporeans will only need to pay S$1,364.25/month (before subsidies) to have their infants enrolled. Other fees like registration, insurance, uniforms, and mattress cover costs will apply.

#5: Agape Little Uni

Agape Little Uni

Did you know that Agape means “unconditional love” in the original Greek language? Established in 1995, Agape Little Uni joined the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) scheme in January 2016. Currently, their preschools at Cecil Street, Compassvale Crescent, and Upper Serangoon Crescent offer infant care programmes.

As part of the infant care curriculum, your child will be exposed to storytelling, songs & rhymes, and sensorial games. The full-day price is at S$1,498/month for Singapore citizens. By now, you should be aware that other enrollment fees may apply.

Parents who currently have kids enrolled in the abovementioned preschools, do share your experience in the comments section so new parents in our community can all benefit. Many thanks in advance!

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