Childcare

This is often a problem for a family where both spouses work and some juggling of "childcare" or "after school" care must take place.

Many families hire maids and these maids often mind the children. See the pages on Maids  and Nurseries also.

However, I sought opinions of people who have been in this position and have received the following replies:

1

A solution is to arrange a "babysitter" privately, through learning of any regular people who work for different residents of  your building. It's also possible to do a share/swap arrangement with others in the same position, once you get to know people. 

2

My daughter goes to Smart Children's Nursery. She's only there in the morning but I believe they provide care for children from 7.30 am to 7.00 pm. The nursery's telephone number is 3980074 and the principal is Mrs Sushila Rai.

3

About child care. On the daycare issue. There is no alternative that I can see to having a maid to care for my four year old. Even though we enrolled her for school (kg1), she would be sent home at 1:30, a full two and a half hours earlier than her older sisters. So, we would need a maid anyway. The daycares in our area (I consulted no less than seven) did not offer hours longer than the school. Even so, the prices were about the same as the school. So why not pay about the same and have your house cleaned in the process? 

About maids. It is a very difficult issue, because the legality of part-time or help not sponsored by yourself is vague. 

Based on my very short experience( 6 months in Dubai), I will be very keen on sponsoring a maid as soon as I return from summer break. 

4

Ladybird Nursery has  afternoon sessions  contact them on 9714 3441011.

5

You can buy all the necessities ( Nappies /Diapers, Formula, Dummies/Pacifiers, Baby Clothes, Strollers, Toys etc) you need for your baby in Dubai.

Back

This page was last updated by Leigh Butler on February 06, 2006