Infant Care Contract Checklist: 12 Clauses S'pore Parents Miss

So you've finally found an infant care centre near your BTO in Punggol (or maybe it's that cosy one tucked in a Toa Payoh shophouse) and you're ready to sign on the dotted line. Wait, wait, wait. Before you whip out your pen, let's talk about the contract itself — because that stack of papers is where the real lobang (or landmines) are hiding.

Most parents skim the infant care contract because, let's be honest, you're sleep-deprived and just want your baby settled. But an infant care contract in Singapore isn't just admin — it determines what happens if your centre suddenly closes, if your baby falls sick for two weeks straight, or if you need to withdraw halfway through the year. Here's your no-nonsense guide to the 12 clauses you absolutely cannot skip.

1. Registration & Deposit Terms

Most centres charge a one-time registration fee (SGD 300–600) plus a deposit (usually 1–2 months' fees) to secure your slot. Check whether this is refundable if you withdraw before your child even starts (say, life happens and you relocate).

What to push back on: Some contracts state deposits are