Government can help be baby ready: Josephine Teo

SINGAPORE: There are practical ways to help young couples get "ready to go", Josephine Teo on Saturday (Nov 3), said Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs.

Mrs Teo, who also oversees population matters, was speaking to the media about the launch of a new campaign called #BabyReady that encourages Singaporeans to consider starting a family earlier.

The campaign is spearheaded by HeyBaby, a community movement under the Prime Minister's Office that promotes marriage and parenthood.

Mrs Teo said Singapore provides a good environment for people to start families.

"We have stepped up our efforts to make the most of the early childhood education."

She said that with each generation, aspirations are higher and wanting to provide the best for one's children is a "very natural feeling".

"I think the question is really how we make sure we have every day, we look at the changing needs of couples.

She also noted that there are such flexible working arrangements.

Newly-weds Vernon Tey, 39 and Cadence Koh, 27 told Channel NewsAsia they are encouraged by such initiatives to support young couples in becoming parents.

"We are actually planning to have a baby in one to two years' time. We look around, we know there are some baby bonus initiatives, childcare subsidies, and extended maternity leave, "said Mr Tey.

One company that is helping parents and first-time parents in their new role is IKEA Singapore, which has partnered the #BabyReady campaign.

The Swedish furniture giant launched a Starterkid bundle comprising nine essential items for baby cot, foam mattress, baby care mat and bibs. It retails for S $ 149.

Deputy Managing Director at IKEA Southeast Asia Mike King said: "IKEA hopes to show young couples that an affordable, sustainable and quality lifestyle is possible as they start their family."