Tadika or babysitter for 2 year old while we work?

Question

Both me and wife working in KL. Our 2 year old, we cannot decide send tadika/nursery or hire a babysitter (pengasuh). Tadika got structure but so young ah. Babysitter more personal but worried about quality. What you all chose and why?

Tech Girl Xin Yi · Accepted Answer

We used a registered home babysitter (taska) for the toddler years then moved to tadika at 4, and I think that combo is ideal. At 2 years old, they mainly need attention, safety, naps, and lots of one-on-one care, which a good babysitter gives better than a crowded nursery where one teacher handles many kids. The key word is REGISTERED, check that the pengasuh or taska is registered with JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) and ask about ratio (how many kids she cares for), first aid knowledge, and do surprise drop-in visits. We found ours through neighbour referral, visited unannounced a few times, and installed nothing sneaky but just trusted our gut plus references. At 4+, tadika became great for socialising and pre-school prep. Match the setting to the age. Also budget wise, babysitter often cheaper than branded nursery in KL.

Abang EPF Faiz · Answer

Trust your kid reaction. When we trial-ed places, our girl was clingy and cried at one nursery but settled happily at the babysitter home. Kids sense the environment. Do a trial week before committing money and long term. And keep communication open, message the caregiver for daily updates, a good one will happily share photos.

Cikgu Math Kavitha · Answer

Whatever you choose, location near your workplace or home matters for the daily KL jam. We picked one near the office so pickup was easy and we could rush over if emergency. A brilliant nursery 40 minutes away in traffic is not worth it. Also factor the drop off timing into your commute, some open only 8am and you start work 9, cutting very close.

Makcik Kedai Runcit Zaiton · Answer

We chose nursery because we wanted the structure and the peace of mind of a facility with multiple staff and CCTV, rather than depending on one person who might fall sick or take leave suddenly. When our babysitter arrangement fell through last minute once, it was chaos. Nursery has backup staff. Downside is kids catch every cold going around, be prepared for frequent sick days the first year, their immune system building up.

Tadika or babysitter for 2 year old while we work?

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