Choosing the right infant care Singapore provider can feel like a whirlwind of numbers, brochures, and recommendations. And while a quick Google search for infant care Singapore price list gives you some rough estimates, most guides don’t tell you the whole truth.
To help you make a truly informed choice, here’s a real, no-fluff breakdown of what infant care really costs — and how to avoid hidden surprises.
1. Location Affects How Much You Pay
Not all infant care centres cost the same — and location plays a big part.
Central Areas = Premium Pricing
Think Orchard, Bukit Timah, or Novena. Expect to pay $2,000 to $2,500+ per month, even before GST. These centres often cater to working professionals and expats.
Heartlands = More Budget-Friendly
In areas like Yishun, Jurong, or Sengkang, centres (especially anchor operators) charge between $1,200 and $1,600. With subsidies, this can drop to as low as $600–$800.
Looking through the infant care Singapore price list by region helps you balance convenience and cost.
2. Beware of Hidden Costs
That “monthly fee” on the brochure? It’s not the whole story.
Common Extra Charges Include:
- Registration Fee: $100–$300 (non-refundable)
- Deposit: Often 1-month’s fee
- Uniforms & Bedding: $100–$200
- Insurance & Events: Add $10–$30 annually, plus termly extras
- Enrichment Add-ons: Music, baby yoga, etc., at $80–$200/month
- Late Pickup Penalties: $10–$20 per 15 minutes
Always request a detailed infant care Singapore price list from the centre to avoid surprises.
3. Is a Higher Price Worth It?
Sometimes, yes — but not always.
What You’re Paying For:
- Lower teacher-child ratios (1:3 vs ECDA’s max 1:5)
- Premium curriculum: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, bilingual immersion
- Facilities: CCTV access, infant gyms, nursing rooms
But some parents find that infant care Singapore anchor operators offer similar care at a fraction of the price. Visiting the centre and speaking with other parents is essential.
4. Real Parent Stories Say It Best
Sometimes the best insight comes from those who’ve been through it.
- Emily paid $2,200/month at a private centre, only to face constant top-up charges.
- Fazli chose an anchor operator and was surprised by the quality and warmth — at just $600/month after subsidy.
- Clarissa switched from private to anchor care when working from home, saving $1,000/month without compromising care quality.
Whether you choose premium or practical, the infant care Singapore price list doesn’t always tell the full story — parents do.
5. Hacks to Save Big on Infant Care
Here’s how to lower your monthly spend smartly:
- Use CDA for monthly fees, uniforms, and classes.
- Ask for referral discounts (some give $200–$500 off).
- Choose half-day care if your schedule allows.
- Go with anchor operators for government-capped pricing.
Smart planning can reduce your infant care cost by thousands per year — even if the infant care Singapore price list looks intimidating at first glance.
Want to learn more about government support? Check out the ECDA Infant Care Subsidy Information for full details on eligibility and application steps.
6. Register Early or Risk the Waitlist
Some centres in Singapore are booked up months in advance — especially in central locations.
- Register as early as your second trimester if you can.
- Have documents ready: NRICs, EDD/birth cert, work verification, CDA details.
- Some centres accept tentative booking forms or priority interest lists.
By acting early, you beat the waitlist and avoid last-minute stress.
7. Visual Fee Comparison Across Centre Types
Here’s a quick breakdown of common centre types and what you might expect to pay:
| Centre Type | Before Subsidy | After $600 Subsidy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Operator | ~$1,364 | ~$764 | E.g. My First Skool, Skool4Kidz |
| Partner Operator | ~$1,400–$1,600 | ~$800–$1,000 | Slightly higher fees, more locations |
| Private Centre | ~$1,800–$2,500+ | ~$1,200–$1,900+ | Wide variation in services |
| Premium Centre | $2,800–$4,000+ | $2,000–$3,400+ | High-end amenities and extras |
Always request the latest infant care Singapore price list when visiting a centre.
FAQ – Infant Care Singapore Price List
Q: What’s the average cost?
Between $1,364 and $2,500/month before subsidy, depending on location and centre type.
Q: What subsidies are available?
- $600/month for working mums
- Additional subsidies for lower-income households
- Use CDA for fees and extras
Q: Any hidden fees?
Yes — uniforms, registration, enrichment classes, and event charges often aren’t listed in the basic infant care Singapore price list.
Q: When should I register?
The earlier, the better — even before your baby is born.
Q: Is expensive always better?
Not necessarily. Many parents find anchor operators in the infant care Singapore space offer excellent care at more affordable rates.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Not Just Fast
Navigating infant care Singapore options takes more than browsing a few websites. While the infant care Singapore price list offers a starting point, what really matters is understanding value, timing, and your family’s needs.
Need help choosing the right programme or want to visit a centre?
📍Visit Little Unicorn Preschool or contact us to speak with our team.
We’ll walk you through the process — costs, subsidies, enrolment, and beyond.
