Resource Hub
Childcare Costs for Under-2s: Why Infant Care Is More Expensive and What You Can Do
Published · Last updated · 7 min read
Contents
Why is childcare for under-2s more expensive in New Zealand?
In NZ, centres must meet a stricter minimum adult-to-child ratio for under-2s (1:5), which means more staff hours per child and higher wage costs. On top of that, babies need more hands-on care (nappies, bottles, sleep routines) and services often run smaller infant rooms, so the per-child cost is higher. In 2026, full-time under-2 care is commonly around $300–$650 a week, and can be higher in big-city, high-demand areas.
Why under-2 childcare costs more (and why it is not your imagination)
Most parents get a bit of financial whiplash when they see the infant-room fees. You are not doing anything wrong. Under-2 care is genuinely more expensive to provide in New Zealand.
The biggest driver is staffing. The Ministry of Education sets minimum adult-to-child ratios as part of licensing requirements (Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008). For under-2s, the minimum is tighter than it is for older tamariki, so a centre needs more kaiako hours for the same number of children. (MoE: adult-to-child ratios)
- Higher staffing needs: under-2 rooms cannot legally run on the same ratios as toddler rooms.
- More intensive daily care: nappies, bottles, settling, and sleep routines are labour-heavy.
- Less flexibility: if one baby is unwell, unsettled, or needs a long settle, you still need the same staffing to meet ratios.
- Space and setup: cots, safe sleep spaces, separate nappy change areas, and quieter rooms add costs.
- Demand pressure: infant places are often the hardest to secure (see childcare waitlists in NZ).
The ratio rule that drives the price
Typical under-2 daycare costs in NZ (2026)
Fees vary wildly by region, by centre, and by how your centre charges (hourly, sessional, daily, or weekly). But these ranges will get you into the right ballpark for 2026.
A useful way to think about it is hourly. Many families pay the equivalent of roughly $8.50–$14 an hour for centre-based under-2 care. If you are doing 40 hours a week, that is often $340–$560 per week before subsidies or rebates.
| Care type (under-2) | Typical pricing (NZD) | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Centre-based daycare (teacher-led) | $8.50–$14/hr (often $300–$650/week full-time) | Most common option. Fees reflect 1:5 ratios and higher staffing. |
| Home-based care | $6–$12+/hr | Often cheaper and flexible, but places can be limited (educator caps). |
| Nanny (in-home) | $22–$30+/hr+ | You are paying a wage (and may have employer obligations). Often only cheaper when sharing or with multiple children. |
| Au pair | Typically a weekly stipend + board (varies) | Lower cash cost but higher household impact (space, routines, supervision). |
| Mixed care | Varies | Many whānau blend 2–3 centre days with grandparents or home-based care to keep costs manageable. |
If you want a personalised number (your region, your hours, your child's age, and which supports you might be eligible for), start with our cost estimator.
Under-2 childcare costs by region (estimate using platform data)
Across 4,394+ licensed providers on The Parent Circle, the pattern is consistent: the same infant-room experience costs more in high-rent, high-demand areas.
Below is a simple estimate for full-time centre-based under-2 care using a mid-range Auckland baseline and the platform's regional cost multipliers (rounded). For a deeper breakdown across all regions, see childcare costs by region in NZ.
| Region (example) | Platform cost multiplier | Estimated weekly under-2 centre cost (40h) |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | 1.00 | $420/week |
| Wellington | 0.97 | $405/week |
| Canterbury | 0.90 | $380/week |
| Nelson | 0.83 | $350/week |
| Queenstown-Lakes | 1.05 | $440/week |
These are estimates, not quotes. Some centres bundle meals and nappies into the price; others charge optional fees. Start with these numbers, then confirm the details with the services you are considering.
The ratio difference (1:5 vs 1:10) in plain English
When your baby is in a centre's under-2 room, the centre has to staff to a tighter minimum ratio. The Ministry describes ratios as a licensing requirement that must be met at all times, including during breaks and excursions. (MoE ratios)
Here is the simple maths most parents never get shown:
- If a room has 10 babies, the minimum staffing is essentially 2 adults (because 1 adult can only be responsible for 5 under-2s).
- If a room has 20 older children on a higher ratio, the staffing per child can be roughly half.
Staff wages are the biggest cost in ECE. So even if rent, food, and everything else stayed the same (they do not), under-2 places would still cost more.
Yes, the government funds under-2s at a higher rate too
Your main options for under-2 care (and what they usually cost)
There is no perfect option. Most families are balancing three things at once: money, reliability (work schedules), and what feels right for their baby.
- Centre-based daycare (teacher-led): reliable hours and routines, lots of social contact, and usually the easiest for full-time work schedules.
- Home-based care: smaller group, often calmer for babies, sometimes cheaper. Availability can be patchy.
- Nanny or nanny share: care happens in your home, great for naps and sickness policies, but the hourly cost is high unless you share.
- Au pair: can work well for families with space and predictable routines, but it changes your household in a way daycare does not.
- Family care (grandparents/whānau): cheapest on paper, but it can create its own pressure if expectations are unclear.
| Option | Best for | Cost reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Centre-based | Predictable full-time hours | Often higher for under-2s because staffing is tighter. |
| Home-based | Smaller groups, flexibility | Hourly can be lower, but openings can be limited. |
| Nanny | One-to-one care, complex schedules | High hourly rate. Consider a nanny share if you can. |
| Au pair | Multiple kids, family with space | Not just money; you are hosting someone. |
| Family care | Part-time cover or bridging gaps | Agree on boundaries early (days, illness, holidays). |
What support can you get for under-2 childcare?
Two things can be true at once: infant care is expensive, and there is support available. The tricky bit is that different schemes work in different ways, and some of the big ones only kick in later.
- 20 Hours ECE: generally starts at age 3 (up to 6 hours a day and 20 hours a week), and you still pay for extra hours. (Govt.nz explainer)
- WINZ Childcare Subsidy: can help pay for preschool childcare costs if you meet eligibility rules. Applying and backdating rules matter, so do not leave it too late. (Work and Income: Childcare Subsidy)
- FamilyBoost (IRD): a quarterly payment to help eligible households with ECE costs for children aged 5 and under. The percentage and maximum depend on your household income and the quarter. (IRD: how much you can claim)
Under-2s usually miss the biggest discount
The 'cost cliff' at age 2 (and again at age 3)
This is the part many parents find reassuring: under-2 fees are often the peak.
Around age 2, many centres shift children into older rooms where staffing ratios are different. That can reduce the per-child staffing cost, and you may see fees ease (not always immediately, but often).
Then at age 3, if your service offers it, 20 Hours ECE can reduce the number of paid hours you need each week. (Govt.nz: 20 hours funded ECE)
Practical tip: if your budget is tight, plan your childcare arrangement like a bridge. You only have to get through the under-2 season, not fund it forever. The cost estimator can help you map the difference between your child at 18 months, 2 years, and 3 years.
Strategies that reduce the bill (without making your life impossible)
- Start part-time if you can. Two or three days of centre care, plus family care or home-based care on the other days, is a common cost-control setup.
- Consider home-based for the under-2 year. Some babies nap better and settle faster in smaller groups, and fees can be lower.
- Try a nanny share. Two families splitting a nanny can bring the hourly cost closer to (or below) centre fees, especially in high-cost suburbs.
- Use your leave strategically. A few weeks of annual leave spread across winter can reduce paid childcare hours and sick-day stress.
- Get on lists early. Infant places can be the bottleneck. Use the waitlist guide and apply well before you actually need the start date.
- Compare more than one centre. The fee headline is only part of it. Use /search to find infant-friendly providers near you, then ask for a full fee schedule (including optional charges, holidays, and minimum booking rules).
If you are weighing two specific services, it can help to do a side-by-side comparison of the real weekly cost (hours + fees + optional charges) and the policies that affect your workday (late fees, sickness rules, holiday charges).
FAQ: infant childcare costs in NZ
How much does under-2 daycare cost per week in NZ?
For full-time care, many families pay roughly $300–$650 a week, depending on region and the service's fee structure. In high-demand areas, it can be higher.
Why do fees drop when my child turns 2?
Many services move children into older rooms with different staffing ratios and routines, which reduces the per-child staffing cost. The timing and size of the drop varies by provider.
Do under-2s get 20 Hours ECE?
Usually no. 20 Hours ECE is for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds (up to 6 hours per day and 20 hours per week) at participating services. See the Government overview: https://www.govt.nz/browse/education/help-paying-for-early-childhood-education/
Can I get WINZ Childcare Subsidy for a baby?
Yes, infants can qualify if you meet the eligibility rules and your childcare is approved. Start with Work and Income's overview and application info: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/childcare-subsidy.html
Is home-based care cheaper for under-2s?
Often, but not always. Home-based care can have lower hourly fees and smaller groups, but availability can be limited and policies vary.
What is the fastest way to estimate my real out-of-pocket cost?
Use a calculator that combines your hours, region, and likely supports. Start with The Parent Circle's cost estimator: /cost-estimator
If you are in the under-2 stage right now, it can feel like the numbers are personal. They are not. Infant care costs more to run, and NZ's rules make staffing (and therefore fees) the main pressure point.
For the bigger picture (care types, regional differences, and how subsidies stack), see our full guide to NZ childcare costs.
Estimate your infant childcare costs
Plug in your region and weekly hours to get a realistic range, then compare options before you join a waitlist.
Use the cost estimatorRelated guides
How to Budget for Childcare: A Financial Planning Guide for NZ Families
Budget childcare properly: calculate true fees, stack 20 Hours ECE, FamilyBoost and WINZ support, run a return-to-work break-even check, then build a monthly cashflow plan.
20 Hours ECE Explained: Everything NZ Parents Need to Know in 2026
Every 3, 4, and 5-year-old in New Zealand qualifies for 20 Hours ECE — up to 6 funded hours per day with no income test. Here's how it actually works, what you still pay for, and how to stack it with other subsidies.
WINZ Childcare Subsidy: A Step-by-Step Application Guide for NZ Parents
The WINZ Childcare Subsidy pays up to $6.52/hour towards approved ECE for under-5s. This guide covers eligibility, income thresholds, how to apply, what documents you need, and how to stack it with 20 Hours ECE and FamilyBoost.
How Much Does Childcare Cost in NZ? The Complete 2026 Guide
Childcare in New Zealand costs between $150 and $450 per week for full-time care in 2026. This guide breaks down costs by care type, child age, and region — plus every subsidy available to reduce your bill.
Find childcare near you
Search and compare providers by suburb, care type, cost, and availability.