You and your partner have enjoyed your double income, no kids (DINK) lifestyle, weekend brunches at Tiong Bahru, spontaneous getaways to Bali, maybe a little too much Taobao and GrabFood. But now, with a baby on the way in 2026, it’s time to pivot from couple goals to family goals.
Here’s how to make the transition smoother, financially and emotionally, right here in Singapore.
1. Take a Snapshot of Your Current Life
Start by tracking where your money goes each month. As a DINK couple, you probably spend more on dining out, gym memberships and experiences. Categorise these into wants and needs. Once baby arrives, some of those “wants” will naturally shift because 3 a.m. feeds and diaper changes tend to replace midnight Netflix and wine nights.
2. Map Out the Baby Budget
In Singapore, expect to spend around $17,000 to $41,000 in the first year of your baby’s life. This includes delivery, baby essentials and early medical care. Here’s a quick guide:
- Prenatal and delivery: $4,000 to $10,000 (depending on hospital and ward type)
- Confinement: $2,000 to $10,000 (depending on engagement of confinement nanny or admitting into confinement facilities)
- Baby essentials: $2,000 to $3,000 (cot, stroller, breast pump, carrier, etc.)
- Healthcare and vaccinations: $500 to $1,000 (many vaccines are subsidised under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule)
- Childcare or infant care: $8,550 to $17,000 (depending on school type or helper)
Plan to start your baby fund at least six months before your due date. Even setting aside a few hundred dollars monthly helps cover upfront costs for the first few months.
💰 Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to factor in government schemes like the Baby Bonus Cash Gift (up to $11,000), CDA First Step Grant ($5,000) and Medisave Maternity Package, which can offset part of your delivery and hospital bills.
Baby Bonus
| Time | Amount of Cash Gift to be Disbursed | |
| 1st and 2nd Birth Orders | 3rd and Subsequent Birth Orders | |
| At birth | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| 6 months | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| 12 months | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| 18 months | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 2 years until 6.5 years | $400 every six months | $400 every six months |
| Total | $11,000 | $13,000 |
CDA First Step Grant
| Birth order | First Step Grant (parents’ savings not required) | Maximum Government Co-matching |
| 1st Child | $5,000 | $4,000 |
| 2nd Child | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| 3rd Child | $10,000* | $9,000 |
| 4th Child | $10,000* | $9,000 |
| 5th & Subsequent Child | $10,000* | $15,000 |
Medisave Maternity Package
The MediSave withdrawal limits are:
| Up to $900 | For pre-delivery expenses such as pre-natal consultations, ultrasound scans, tests and medications |
| From $1,120 and $2,770* | For delivery expenses, depending on the type of delivery procedure |
| $1,130* per day for the first two days | For hospital admission |
| $400 per day from the third day onwards |
3. Review Your Insurance and Protection
If you haven’t done so, now’s the time to strengthen your coverage.
- Hospitalisation insurance: Make sure both mum (6-12 months before conception) and baby (within 14 days of birth, once NRIC is issued).
- Maternity insurance: Covers pregnancy complications or congenital conditions. (Between week 13-32 of pregnancy)
- Life insurance: Adjust your policy to secure your family’s future income in case of unforeseen circumstances. (Whenever you are ready)
If both parents already have policies, review them together to avoid overlaps and ensure adequate coverage.
4. Revisit Your Investments and Savings
Your dual incomes are your strongest advantage before baby arrives. Maintain an emergency fund of six months’ expenses, then allocate your savings into:
- Short term: Delivery costs, baby gear and parental leave buffer
- Mid term: Childcare, preschool and enrichment classes
- Long term: Education fund (consider endowment or investment linked plans to grow this gradually)
If you’ve been investing aggressively, consider reducing your portfolio risk for the transition year. Liquidity becomes key when there are more immediate expenses ahead.
5. Plan For Parental Leave and Cash Flow
Check your company’s maternity and paternity leave policies and see how they align with government entitlements (16 weeks for mothers and 4 weeks for fathers, as of 2025).
If one partner plans to take a longer break, simulate how living on one income would feel. Start adjusting your spending habits a few months before to minimise stress later.
6. Talk About Money, Not Just the Nursery
The biggest shift isn’t financial, it’s emotional. Moving from “mine and yours” to “ours and baby’s” means open communication and shared planning.
Schedule monthly money check-ins just like doctor visits and make it part of your parenting prep. Decide early on how to split shared costs like milk powder, diapers and childcare, and agree on priorities such as housing upgrades or helper expenses.
The Bottom Line
Becoming parents in Singapore doesn’t mean losing your financial freedom, it just means redefining it. Plan early, take advantage of local grants and build your safety net together. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll be ready to welcome baby 2026 with confidence and maybe still sneak in your favourite café brunch.
💡 Supermom Hack:
Use MomGenie to simplify your family’s financial planning. From tracking your monthly expenses and checking Baby Bonus eligibility to generating insurance checklists and projecting childcare costs, MomGenie helps you stay organised every step of the way. Think of it as your digital village to help you plan smarter and worry less before baby arrives.
