Infant care prices in Singapore can be confusing at first. You check one centre and see their price, then check another and find something completely different, and it gets hard to know how much infant care is going to cost you.
The thing is, there isn’t just one fixed cost. When people start looking into infant care, they quickly realise it depends on the type of centre, their citizenship status, and household income. It also depends on whether you qualify for subsidies. Even small changes in these factors can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ve covered the costs before and after subsidies for each centre type, plus any extra fees, so you know exactly what to budget for.
Infant Care Costs in Singapore (Before Subsidies)
Before any subsidies are applied, infant care costs anywhere between SGD $1,200 to $2,500+ per month. The type of centre you pick is the biggest factor that decides how much you’ll pay.
There are three types of centres in Singapore: AOP, POP, and Private. Here’s what each one costs.
1. AOP Centres (Before Subsidies)
AOP stands for Anchor Operator Programme. These are large, government-supported centres that run across many locations in Singapore. Because they serve a lot of families, they keep their fees lower than other centre types. Their fees before subsidies are around SGD $1,200 to $1,500 per month.
2. POP Centres (Before Subsidies)
POP stands for Partner Operator Programme. These are smaller centres that are also government-partnered but independently run. Their fees sit between AOP and private centres. Before subsidies, fees are around SGD $1,300 to $1,700 per month.
3. Private Centres (Before Subsidies)
Private centres have no government affiliation. They set their own fees and often offer premium facilities or specialised programmes. This makes them the most expensive option. Their fees range from SGD 1,800 to 2,500+ per month, and some can go even higher.
How Subsidies Work in Singapore
If your child is a Singapore Citizen, you may qualify for government subsidies that can significantly reduce your monthly fees. These subsidies are managed under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) scheme and go straight to your centre; you just pay the remaining amount each month. There are two types of subsidies available:
Basic Subsidy:
This is available to all Singaporean children enrolled in a licensed infant care centre, regardless of household income. You don’t need to do anything extra; it’s applied automatically.
Additional Subsidy:
This one is income-based. The lower your household income, the higher the subsidy you receive. Families earning less than SGD 3,000 per month receive the most support. The less your household earns, the more support you get.
Who qualifies?
- Your child must be a Singapore Citizen
- Both parents must be working, studying, or looking for work
- The centre must be a licensed AOP or POP centre (private centres are not eligible)
If you’re unsure what you qualify for, you can check and apply through the LifeSG app or Baby Bonus portal.
Infant Care Costs in Singapore (After Subsidies)
Once subsidies kick in, your monthly fees will drop significantly. Many parents are surprised when they see the infant care price after subsidy; it’s often much lower than they expected. Here’s what most parents actually pay.
1. AOP Centres (After Subsidies)
AOP centres qualify for government subsidies. So if your child is a Singapore Citizen, you’ll pay much less than the original fee; most parents end up paying around SGD $600 to $900 per month.
2. POP Centres (After Subsidies)
POP centres also qualify for subsidies. The final amount is a little higher than AOP centres, with most parents paying around SGD $700 to $1,100 per month.
3. Private Centres (After Subsidies)
Private centres don’t qualify for government subsidies, which means there’s no reduction. You pay the full fee, anywhere from SGD $1,800 to $2,500+ per month.
Additional Costs in Infant Care
The monthly fee isn’t always the full picture. Most centres have a few extra charges on top, so nothing catches you off guard later.
One-Time Costs
These are charges you pay when you first enrol your child. You won’t see them every month, but they can add up at the start.
- Registration fee: a one-time admin fee charged when you sign up
- Deposit: usually one to two months’ fees, refunded when you leave the centre
- Starter kit: some centres charge for basic supplies your child will use daily
Monthly Extra Charges
Some things may not be covered in your monthly fee, depending on the centre. Always ask what’s included before you sign up.
- Milk powder or diapers: not all centres include these, so you may need to supply them or pay extra
- Enrichment activities: some centres offer optional add-ons like music or sensory activities for babies at an extra cost.
Late Pickup Fees
If you pick your child up after the centre’s closing time, most centres will charge a late fee. It’s usually billed by the hour, so it’s good to keep that in mind on busy days.
Add all of this to your monthly fee, and you’ll get a real picture of how much is infant care going to cost you.
Factors That Affect Infant Care Fees in Singapore
Not all centres charge the same, even if they seem similar. Here’s what affects the price.
1: Type of Centre
AOP centres are the most affordable, POP centres are mid-range, and private centres are the most expensive. This alone makes the biggest difference in what you’ll pay.
2: Location
Centres in busy or central areas tend to charge higher fees. If you’re working with a tight budget, exploring centres in quieter neighbourhoods can save you a decent amount each month.
Parents can also explore Amazing Star childcare centres, including options for infant care in Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, and Yishun, to find a convenient location that suits their daily routine.
3: Caregiver to Infant Ratio
The more caregivers a centre has per infant, the more personalised attention your child gets, and the higher the fees. Many parents find this worth paying for, especially for very young babies.
4: Facilities and Programmes
Better facilities and more structured activities usually mean higher fees. A visit to the centre will help you decide if what’s on offer is worth the extra cost.
5: Subsidy Eligibility
Your citizenship status and monthly household income decide how much subsidy you get. Two families in the same centre can end up paying very different amounts based on this.
As parents start comparing different childcare costs, many naturally begin to think about Preschool in Singapore as part of the next stage in their child’s learning journey.
Conclusion
Infant care in Singapore can feel expensive at first, but once you know how the pricing works, it’s much easier to plan.
If your child is a Singapore Citizen, subsidies can really lower what you pay each month — especially at AOP or POP centres. Private centres cost more and don’t come with subsidies, so keep that in mind when comparing options.
Don’t just look at the monthly fee. Check what’s included, ask about one-time costs, and find out what subsidies you qualify for. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you sign anything.
FAQs
1. At what age can I enrol my child in infant care?
Most infant care centres in Singapore accept babies from 2 months old. Some centres may start from 3 months, so it’s best to check with the centre before signing up.
2. Can I get subsidies if I am a permanent resident?
Government subsidies are only available for Singaporean children. If your child is a Permanent Resident, your child won’t be eligible for any government subsidies.
3. How early should I register for infant care?
As early as possible. Infant care spots in Singapore fill up fast, especially at AOP and POP centres. Many parents register while they are still pregnant to secure a place.
4. What documents do I need to enrol my child?
Most centres need your child’s birth certificate, immunisation records, and your NRIC. Some may also ask for income documents if you are applying for subsidies.
5. Is infant care worth it compared to hiring a nanny?
It depends on your situation. Infant care centres offer structured programmes and trained caregivers at a fixed, government-regulated fee. A nanny gives more flexibility but can cost just as much or more, and you won’t get any subsidies for that.
