Living in Singapore with a baby

Posted by Miss D (533 days ago)

Hi. We are looking at moving to Singapore and would appreciate any advice or information about how it works with childcare in Singapore. We have a 10 month old baby. Is it easy to employ a maid. do they usually live in? Are there playgroups that a maid could take our child to during the day? Are there other types of childcare other than maids - daycare centres etc? Just a general idea on how easy or difficult it would be to live in the city with a baby/toddler would be appreciated!!

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Posted by Wheelymate (533 days ago)

it's so easy it's not funny...depending on your budget!

you have the following options:
1) live-in maid from phillipines, sri lanka or indonesia...tons of agencies for you to choose from.
2) baby gym classes such as gymboree that your maid can attend with your baby
3) daycare centres - they do 7am-7pm programmes from 18 months onwards
4) infant care centres - from 2 months old

of course, the quality of services and cost will vary so you will need to do more research on that! singapore's transportation system is great - taxi, bus or mrt.

Posted by Miss D (532 days ago)

Thanks for your help. My husband and I are both teachers so the salary/package wouldn't be huge but still better than average I guess. I will get on and do some research about some of the agencies for a live in maid. Can you recommend any? Do most people with a live in maid have 'maids quarters' with a separate bathroom or is it okay to just provide her with her own bedroom?

Posted by Wheelymate (532 days ago)

hi there,

have you been to singapore and looked at places to stay yet? if you are staying in a condominium (generally a private apartment with facilities such as swimming pools, etc) the general layout of the units (unless it's a really tiny unit) will include a utility area at the back of the kitchen. this area will usually have space for you to place your washing machine/dryer, to hang your laundry, a small bathroom and finally a room that some will have their maids sleep in, or use just as a storeroom or sometimes unpleasantly both.

it's really up to you if you want to let your maid sleep in your spare bedroom!

Posted by Aggers (129 days ago)

Really interested to read this, and would welcome an indicative breakdown of costs for a nanny, say 3 days a week if that sort of thing is done out ther?

Is live in maids/nanny's the way forward? Do they not do 9 to 5?