Working parents often need to entrust their baby to another caregiver. As the caregiver will spend a lot of time with your baby, here are some tips on leaving your baby to the other's care:
- Try to identify a caregiver that is reliable, caring, patient and available most of the time
- Communicate more with the caregiver to understand your baby's daily routines, align in how you handle her, and exchange ideas on how to communicate with her (e.g. the meaning of your baby's crying, how to play with her, etc.)
- Caregiver needs time to form a stable relationship with your baby. Hence, avoid switching caregivers frequently.
- If different caregivers are taking care of your baby, consistent handling will help your baby adapt more easily.
- Spending more time after work to interact with your baby and get to know her more is essential.
Support services
Childcare
If you do not have help from family members to take care of your baby or cannot hire a childminder, you can try to find a baby crèche from the registered list or the Neighbourhood Support Child Care for occasional support.
Housework
Besides employing a foreign domestic helper, you can also hire a part-time domestic helper to help with your household chores.
Parenting
If you have any queries about parenting, e.g. feeding, vaccinations, baby's health or development issues etc., you can talk to the nurses at MCHC. You can also attend the parenting activities at the MCHC. Registering at our Parent-Child e-Link e-magazine and continuing to attend our Parenting Made Easy online course will give you comprehensive parenting knowledge too.
Emotion
If you find that either you or your partner is emotionally disturbed after your baby is born, you should seek advice and assistance from the integrated family services in your neighbourhood. Please visit the website.