As expecting or new parents in Singapore, welcoming a little one into the world is a joyous occasion. However, it also comes with a flurry of responsibilities and expenses. Fortunately, the government offers many baby bonus payouts to help lighten the load and ensure that mum and pop can provide the best possible start for their mini-me.

From financial assistance to healthcare support, here’s a comprehensive 2026 guide to the baby bonuses available for daddies and mummies in Singapore—including exciting new enhancements for large families. Understanding these benefits is a crucial part of building a strong financial foundation for your growing family.

1. Baby Bonus Cash Gift

Let’s face it, babies are a bundle of joy, but they don’t come cheap! The good news is there’s the Baby Bonus Cash Gift to help ease the financial burden of those mountains of diapers and childcare costs.

Parents get cash from the government disbursed in installments. For those having their first and second child, they’ll get S$11,000, while those expecting their third and subsequent children will receive S$13,000 spread out over the next 6.5 years.

What Can the Baby Bonus Cash Gift Be Used for?

This money can be used for anything baby-related, from diapers and formula to childcare, giving your family a much-needed financial boost during those early years. The cash is automatically deposited into your Child Savings Account (CSA), which opens alongside your Child Development Account when you enrol in the Baby Bonus Scheme.

And the best part? You don’t have to wait too long - the cash usually arrives within seven to ten working days of your child’s birth registration, or after enrolling them in the Baby Bonus Scheme.

2. Child Development Account (CDA)

Aside from the Cash Gift, parents can also open a co-savings account, the Child Development Account (CDA), for their bub. The CDA is now more generous than ever, with enhanced grants for larger families.

What’s New for Large Families in 2026?

If you’re welcoming your third or subsequent child born on or after 18 February 2025, here’s some great news: the First Step Grant has doubled to S$10,000 under the new Large Families Scheme. This is a significant boost compared to the S$5,000 given to first and second children.

First Step Grant

Your child’s CDA can be opened with DBS/POSB, OCBC or UOB. Once the CDA is opened, the First Step Grant is immediately disbursed to the account, without any initial deposit needed. For parents enrolled in the Large Families Scheme, this means an extra S$5,000 for your third and subsequent babies—a total of S$10,000!

Dollar-for-Dollar Matching

You can double the savings deposited into your child’s CDA by leveraging the government’s dollar-for-dollar matching, up to a cap depending on the number of children you have. This means every dollar you save, the government matches it pound for pound—up to the cap. Many parents also consider essential insurance coverage alongside their Baby Bonus savings for comprehensive financial protection.

What Can the Child Development Account (CDA) Be Used for?

The CDA funds can be used at Baby Bonus Approved Institutions that offer childcare, medical services, insurance premiums, and Assistive Technology Devices (ATD).

Important update for 2026: From 1 January 2026, optical shops and retail pharmacies will no longer be Baby Bonus Approved Institutions. However, you can still use CDA funds at:

• Preschools and kindergartens
• Hospitals, polyclinics, and GP clinics (including their pharmacy departments)
• Clinic optical services

You can read more about the Child Development Account (CDA) here.

3. MediSave Grant for Newborns (MGN)

Between sniffles, coughs, and the occasional tummy bug, your child’s healthcare costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, the MediSave Grant for Newborns (MGN) provides parents with much needed relief.

Great news for 2026: The MediSave Grant for Newborns has been increased to S$5,000 (from S$4,000) for all Singapore Citizen newborns born on or after 1 April 2025. This enhanced grant is automatically credited into your child’s MediSave account.

All Singapore Citizen newborns born on or after 26 August 2012 are eligible for the MGN. These include children who are adopted as well as children who are born to divorced or unwed mothers.

Enhanced Large Family Support

Parents welcoming their third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child born on or after 18 February 2025 will also receive a Large Family MediSave Grant of S$5,000. This additional grant is credited to the mother’s MediSave account and can be used for:

• Pregnancy and delivery expenses
• Approved dependants’ medical bills
• Hospitalisation fees for family members

This is on top of the standard MediSave Grant for Newborns, providing an extra layer of financial support for growing families.

What Can the MediSave Grant for Newborns (MGN) Be Used For?

This grant helps to cover your child’s healthcare expenses, such as:

• MediShield Life premiums
• Recommended childhood vaccinations
• Hospitalisation costs
• Approved outpatient treatments

The grant ensures your child’s MediShield Life premiums are fully covered until age 21, giving parents peace of mind during those crucial early years. If you’re also planning ahead for your parents’ healthcare needs, check out our guide on essential medical insurance for parents.

Bonus: Large Families Scheme Benefits (2026)

If you’re blessed with three or more children, there are even more goodies in store. Parents with a third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child born on or after 18 February 2025 enjoy:

• Enhanced CDA First Step Grant: S$10,000 (doubled from S$5,000)
• Large Family MediSave Grant: S$5,000 credited to mother’s MediSave account
• Large Family LifeSG Credits: S$1,000 annually for children aged 1-6 (disbursed in April, with next disbursement in April 2026)
• Special merchant privileges: Over 50 organisations provide Large Families Deals, including discounts on groceries, transport, and everyday essentials

These benefits create a comprehensive support system that helps large families manage the increased costs of raising multiple children.

Who is Eligible for Baby Bonus in Singapore?

To qualify for Singapore’s Baby Bonus scheme, your child must meet these eligibility criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Be a Singapore Citizen at the time of birth
• Born in or outside of Singapore (adoption cases included)
• Parents must be lawfully married, or child is legitimised under Section 8, Legitimacy Act 1934

For Children Born to Unwed Mothers: Children born to unwed mothers are eligible for:

• Baby Bonus Cash Gift
• MediSave Grant for Newborns (MGN)

However, they are not eligible for the Child Development Account (CDA) co-savings unless the parents subsequently marry.

For Large Families Scheme Benefits: To qualify for enhanced benefits (doubled First Step Grant, Large Family MediSave Grant), your child must be:

• Your third or subsequent Singapore Citizen child
• Born on or after 18 February 2025

You can check your eligibility and enrol through the official Baby Bonus Scheme website.

How to Apply for Baby Bonus: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for Baby Bonus is straightforward and can be done online. Here’s how:

Step 1: Register Your Baby’s Birth Register your baby’s birth within 14 days at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). You can do this:

• Online via LifeSG app or website
• At ICA Building

Step 2: Enrol in Baby Bonus Scheme After birth registration, enrol your child in the Baby Bonus Scheme through the LifeSG portal. You’ll need:

• Your Singpass account
• Your child’s birth certificate details
• Your bank account information (for CDA opening)

Step 3: Open Your Child’s CDA Choose your preferred bank (DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB) when enrolling. The CDA will be automatically opened, and the First Step Grant will be credited within 7-10 working days.

Step 4: Start Receiving Benefits Once enrolled, you’ll automatically receive:

• Baby Bonus Cash Gift (first installment at birth)
• First Step Grant in your child’s CDA
• MediSave Grant for Newborns (credited to child’s MediSave account)

Need Help? Contact the Baby Bonus hotline at 1800-253-7707 (Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm) or visit any of the ServiceSG Centres for assistance.

What’s Changed? 2024 vs 2026 Baby Bonus Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of the key changes from 2024 to 2026:

The most significant enhancements target large families with three or more children, doubling the CDA First Step Grant and introducing new MediSave support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is the Baby Bonus in Singapore 2026?

For your first and second child, you’ll receive S$11,000 in cash gifts. For your third and subsequent children, you’ll receive S$13,000 in cash gifts. Additionally, the CDA provides S$5,000-S$10,000 First Step Grant plus government co-matching up to S$15,000 depending on birth order.

When will I receive my Baby Bonus payment?

The first Baby Bonus Cash Gift installment (S$3,000 for 1st/2nd child, S$4,000 for 3rd+ child) is typically credited within 7-10 working days after you enrol in the Baby Bonus Scheme. Subsequent payments follow a schedule tied to your child’s age milestones.

Can I use CDA money for anything?

No, CDA funds can only be used at Baby Bonus Approved Institutions for approved expenses such as childcare fees, medical bills at clinics and hospitals, MediShield Life premiums, and Assistive Technology Devices. Note that from 1 January 2026, retail pharmacies and optical shops are no longer approved institutions.

Is Baby Bonus taxable in Singapore?

No, Baby Bonus Cash Gifts are not taxable. According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), government grants under the Baby Bonus Scheme are tax-exempt and do not need to be declared in your income tax returns.

What happens if I don’t use all my CDA funds?

Unused CDA funds can be transferred to your child’s Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) when they turn 13. The PSEA can be used for approved educational and enrichment expenses. Alternatively, CDA funds never expire and can continue to be used at approved institutions.

Do PRs get Baby Bonus in Singapore?

No, the Baby Bonus Scheme is only available for Singapore Citizens. However, Permanent Residents may be eligible for other government support schemes. Your child must be a Singapore Citizen at birth to qualify for Baby Bonus benefits.

How do I apply for the Large Families Scheme?

If your third or subsequent child is born on or after 18 February 2025, you’re automatically enrolled in the Large Families Scheme when you register for the Baby Bonus Scheme. You don’t need to apply separately—the enhanced S$10,000 First Step Grant and additional benefits will be automatically provided.

Can divorced or unwed mothers get Baby Bonus?

Yes, children born to divorced or unwed mothers are eligible for the Baby Bonus Cash Gift and MediSave Grant for Newborns. However, they are not eligible for the Child Development Account (CDA) unless the parents subsequently marry and legitimise the child.

Bundle of Joy & Cash This 2026

Navigating the journey of parenthood is undoubtedly challenging, but with Singapore’s enhanced array of baby bonus payouts and support schemes in 2026, parents can breathe a little easier knowing that help is on-hand.

Whether you’re having your first baby or welcoming your fifth, the government has thoughtfully designed these schemes to provide meaningful financial relief during those crucial early years. From the steady stream of cash gifts to the generous CDA co-matching and enhanced MediSave support, Singapore’s Marriage and Parenthood Package demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting families.

Remember to register your baby for the Baby Bonus Scheme promptly to start receiving these benefits. The sooner you enrol, the sooner that cash hits your account!