{"id":9966,"date":"2024-08-27T12:00:08","date_gmt":"2024-08-27T04:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.imoney.my\/articles\/?p=9966"},"modified":"2024-08-30T11:57:10","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T03:57:10","slug":"cost-to-have-a-baby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imoney.my\/articles\/cost-to-have-a-baby","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost To Have A Baby In Malaysia?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the last ring of the wedding bell fades away, it\u2019s time to plan your next move as a married couple. Most people would enjoy the first few years of being newlywed and will consider having their first child a few years later. But that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t plan for it still!<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you considered how expensive it will be to raise a child? From food, clothing, education, hobbies and healthcare to entertainment and caretaker costs\u2014having a child costs you a lot more than just love and fresh air.<\/span><\/p>\n

A pan-Asian insurance group had looked into the total cost of raising a child in Malaysia and discovered that the figure is close to half a million ringgit for each child!<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>report<\/span><\/a> produced by AIA Bhd estimated that it would require about RM400,000 to RM1.1 million, taking into account the cost of delivering the baby, schooling expenses all the way to university fees.<\/span><\/p>\n

So how much does it cost to have a baby in Malaysia today? What if you\u2019re considering quitting your job to take care of your child full time? How will it affect your family if there\u2019s just a single source of income?<\/span><\/p>\n

iMoney offers clues on how to estimate and plan expenses so that the joy of parenthood is not buried under financial stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Pregnancy check-up\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Assuming a normal pregnancy, a pregnant mother is required to go for regular check-up once a month and once every two weeks from 36th week onwards. These check-ups at a private hospital can cost an average of RM200 to RM250 per visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnancy check-ups up to 40th week<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estimated cost = RM2,400 to RM3,000<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Delivery\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Ask any parents and you will find out that the cost of delivery in Malaysia isn\u2019t cheap. For most, child delivery will most likely happen in a private hospital, clinic or maternity centre. If you plan to deliver your child at a private hospital in the Klang Valley, a natural delivery can cost anywhere between RM3,000 to RM10,000 including hospital stay for both mother and baby, while a Caesarean delivery can cost between RM6,000 and RM15,000, especially if it involves an emergency case including anaesthetics and post natal phototherapy for your newborn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural birth & hospital stay in a private hospital in the Klang Valley<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estimated cost = RM3,000 to RM10,000<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Baby medical care\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Your newborn baby will have to go for regular check-ups and immunisation in the first year. These immunisations are scheduled every other month, from a BCG at 0-month to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination in the 12th month.<\/span><\/p>\n

On average, these visits can cost between RM60 to RM150 per visit, if you visit a private paediatrician clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Immunisation & check-ups for baby<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estimated annual cost = RM2,000 to RM2,500<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

If your baby is susceptible to flu and cold, be prepared to fork out about RM150 to RM200 per doctor\u2019s visit, as consultation by a paediatrician and medication does not come cheap.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Childcare<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

If both parents are working, you will need to prepare to pay a fixed amount every month for the caring of your child. Some parents are lucky enough to have their own parents to look after the child. However, for those who don\u2019t have this luxury, here is the breakdown of childcare costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Babysitter or nanny<\/h4>\n

The average monthly salary<\/a> for Nanny jobs in Malaysia ranges from RM1,900 to RM3,000 depending on location. Generally, professional babysitters and nannies are expected to ensure that children adequately eat, play, rest, and are intellectually stimulated through a variety of activities in a safe environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Babysitter or nanny<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estimated annual cost = RM22,800 to RM36,000<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

Maid service<\/h4>\n

Others opt to get a live-in maid to take care of the child, especially if they have an aging parent at home too. However, getting a stay-at-home maid can be costly. In Malaysia, these jobs are mainly taken by foreign domestic helpers. Agencies<\/a> generally charge fees ranging from RM15,000 to RM18,000 and a monthly salary to the maid starting from RM1,500.<\/span><\/p>\n

Live-in domestic maid<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estimated cost for the first year = from RM35,000 (not inclusive of food and accommodation)<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Baby furniture<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Stroller and car seat<\/h4>\n

You will need a good quality stroller that can usually last at least two years to bring your baby out. An average stroller with a baby carrier that doubles as a car seat costs about RM1,300 (and we are not talking about those designer strollers). When your baby is slightly older (depending on weight), you will need to get a separate car seat that costs at least RM400.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stroller & car seat<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estimated cost = RM1,700<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

Nursery equipment<\/b><\/h4>\n

A baby needs different types of furniture, such as a crib, playpen, changing table, high chair, and Jumperoo. If you would like to cut costs, you can buy second-hand for these or get free from your relatives, whose children have grown out of these.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if you have to buy everything brand new, these can add up to a big amount. Following are the average costs as a benchmark:<\/span><\/p>\n