Dubai: Heading to the Expo but want to leave your child in safe hands? There are plenty of options in Dubai to ensure your little one is keeping safe, busy and entertained while you go.
If you are worried about COVID-19 measures, be rest assured that these centres are - like Dubai - on the top of their game, with some issuing mandatory vaccinations for their staff and all using masks, gloves or face shields. They also undertake sanitisation of day care centres and their equipment, cleaning and disinfection of baby toys, vessels, surfaces and routine testing to ensure a safe space.
Gulf News lists 5 places that offer both home healthcare services as well as babysitting services on their campuses. When in town for the Expo ask them for their special discounts and packages that are planned for October onwards; currently, here's what's on offer.
1. Malaak Mama and Baby Care
Located at Times Square Centre and at The Dubai Mall, Malaak Mama and Baby Care offers babysitting services at the two malls and at homes or hotels.
Age requirements: 0 to 4 years old (home services); 0 to 8 years old (mall services)
Timings: For babysitting at Time Square Centre – 9am to 9pm; The Dubai Mall – 10am to 10pm. For babysitting services at home, the timings are variable.
Cost: Dh56 to 75 per hour (costs vary based on number of hours and days per month)
2. Manzil Healthcare Services
JCI-accredited home care provider Manzil Healthcare Services offer services to over 200-plus children in the comfort of their own homes.
Age requirements: Children of all ages, and with any medical or developmental needs
Timings: Services are available 24 hours a day
Cost: Dh70 per hour for ad hoc bookings
3. Marinelys Day Care and Home Care Services
At Marinelys Day Care and Home Care Services, parents are assured of 24/7 services for new-borns and day care services for children.
Age Requirements: New-born babies for 24/7 services; 3 to 6 years for day care services
Timings: 7.30am to 10pm (choose your own timings)
Cost: Rates vary depending on the number of hours. Parents can avail hourly, weekly and monthly rates.
4. Babies and Beyond Home Healthcare
A fully licensed home healthcare facility regulated by the Dubai Health Authority, Community Development Authority and Ministry of Health, Babies and Beyond Home Healthcare offers childcare services under the supervision of qualified professionals. Services range from short-term care to long-term assistance.
Age requirements: 0 and above
Timings: Vary
Cost: Rates vary
5. Urban Circle
Online platform Urban Circle connects families to service providers including babysitters, night nurses, new-born care givers, lactation consultants, midwives and so on.
Age Requirements: 0 and above
Timings: Vary
Cost: Rates begin from Dh55 per hour and can vary depending on hourly, weekly and monthly requirements.
How to avail a service
All services require prior booking and can be done online via the website, at the offices of the day care/home healthcare service providers, or via WhatsApp.
-The writer is an intern with Gulf News.
