anxious about moving to HK with a new baby

Posted by peanuts (177 days ago)

Hi, I will move to HK early next year and my baby will be 3 mths at that time. I am very anxious about this moving with such a young baby, and would like to hear your advices on several concerns:

First, I am very worrying about the vaccines shots. He will get some shots in US during birth time and second month, and on fourth and six month some of them are just continuation from first two times shots. What can I do to make sure the vaccines from two countries are consistent. Anyone tell me how to contact a children hospital to make an appointment and find a ped?

Second, is it convenient to buy baby stuffs such as crib, stroller etc in HK? Does the store help delivery?
Since HK is a city, is it useful to buy a stroller? Are there any stores specialized in baby and children stuffs?

Third, I am planning to find a nanny to take care of my young baby. Do you have experiences leaving your infant with nanny at home during day? Do they generally do a good job in taking care of young babies? It is so hard to leave an infant with a non-family member and I am really anxious about this.

This list could go really really long and I really need your helps to gain more information so that I can relax a little bit.

Thanks much!!!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (177 days ago)

1) HK Doctors are very used to people following certain countries vaccine schedule, that shouldn't be a problem. However, there are a few more vaccines you may decide to get for your baby. The doctors will be able to inform you what these are and advise you. Then it is up to you whether or not you get them for your baby.

There is no "baby/children's" hospital, but there are MANY private doctors around to provide you with the jabs you need for your baby.

2) Yes, it is very easy to find things for your baby. There are a couple of shops dedicated to selling these things. They can be a little on the expensive side. We have personally bought many things second hand that are in excellent condition, so that is an option as well. I would think that a lightweight, one-handed folding stroller would be the most useful. Also some kind of baby carrier, like a baby bjorn, is invaluable. It really depends on where you end up living and whether you have to navigate ferries or buses or taxis or if you have your own car.

You will find that MOST places in HK provide delivery service if you spend a certain amount. This includes supermarkets.

3) I would venture to say that most people on here have a full-time live-in helper. The helper you choose should fit your requirements. For example, if you want someone to take care of your child, then you need to find someone with extensive experience with small babies, etc. I will say, it is very difficult to leave your baby with someone, but personally, I MUCH prefer leaving my children with my helper than I would leaving them at a daycare. The minimum wage for a helper is $3440 + other expenses, so I'd budget around $5-6,00/month. Also, your helper can help you clean, do laundry & cook. But DO NOT expect it all to be perfect. Everyone has strong suits and yours may not be very good at one of these things.

Now, if you want a proper NANNY, that will set you back upto $30,000/month.

Good luck with your move, and relax. HK is a great place!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by peanuts (177 days ago)

thanks so much Cara! these information are really helpful.
Glad to know that HK doctors are used to do vaccines following the schedules from a certain country. Would you pleaset tell me where to find these private doctors' phone list? Are there any kind of reviews of doctors so parents can choose according to what they want?

I will probably bring a light strollers and get some second hand stuffs for my baby too. Just found this website has some really useful information about baby stuffs.

I probably would find such a helper. Would you also please clarify what you said about a proper NANNY cost $30,000/mth? That sounds really expensive.

Thanks again!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by merm (177 days ago)

Nannies are not common at all in hk so the so called nannies are usually filipino domestic helpers who have upgraded.

If you need help with singing, stories, foreign languages, musical instruments, anything that has to do with education, you should find a tutor.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (176 days ago)

you can get a REAL NANNY. this will most likely be someone from UK, Australia, Canada etc. they are VERY expensive, around $30,000/month. The nanny's job is to care for the children.

a helper is usually from philippines, thailand, indonesia or china. They have a gov't stipulated minimum wage of $3440 +$400 gov't levy each month. Some earn more than this, it depends on the employer. Helpers will help you with cooking, cleaning, laundry and taking care of the kids. But like i said, some will be better at some things than others.

(I am based in Hong Kong)