BANGKOK, Thailand – A pediatrician has raised concerns over a proposed policy allowing nurseries to care for babies as young as three months old, warning that strict safety standards and careful consideration are needed to protect infants’ physical, emotional, and developmental wellbeing.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suriyadeo Tripathi, director of the Moral Promotion Center (Public Organization) and a specialist in child and adolescent health, expressed concerns in a social media post regarding the possible expansion of nursery services for very young infants. He said that if the government moves forward with a policy allowing nurseries to accept three-month-old babies, authorities must carefully monitor quality standards and assess each case to prevent potential risks.
Dr. Suriyadeo highlighted several areas requiring attention, beginning with physical safety. He said infants under six months require extremely close supervision because they remain vulnerable to health risks, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infections that may occur in childcare environments. He suggested that very young babies require one-on-one attention from caregivers to ensure they are properly monitored and their needs are immediately addressed. The pediatrician also raised concerns about infants’ emotional development, noting that babies at this age are still building strong bonds and attachment with their mothers or primary caregivers.
He said policymakers must consider how nurseries would support a child’s need for secure attachment and emotional trust, warning that insufficient care during early development could affect a child’s emotional wellbeing in the future.
Regarding child development, Dr. Suriyadeo said infants under three months are completely dependent on caregivers and need warmth, affection, and a sense of security. He emphasized that babies need prompt responses when they cry and consistent care to support healthy growth.
He also stressed the importance of breastfeeding, saying breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for infants as it supports physical health, immunity, and emotional bonding.
The pediatrician noted that Thailand is facing a sharp decline in birth rates, with the total fertility rate (TFR) at around 0.86 nationwide and nearly 0.7 in Bangkok. He said improving child development and supporting families are therefore increasingly important. “Government responsibility is not to raise children on behalf of families, except in cases where it is truly necessary,” he said, adding that the state’s role should be to support mothers and families so they can provide quality care.
He pointed to welfare systems in developed countries where mothers can take extended maternity leave while receiving financial support, allowing parents more time to care for newborns during the critical early months. For Thailand, Dr. Suriyadeo suggested developing high-quality nurseries close to homes and workplaces for families who genuinely need childcare support, particularly low-income workers and those without alternative caregivers. He also proposed creating a community-based caregiver system, where trained local volunteers help support families while working alongside childcare facilities. He said childcare services should be developed through cooperation between communities and authorities, with proper surveys to identify needs and clear standards to ensure quality care for young children. The doctor concluded that any expansion of nursery services for infants must focus on safety, quality, and the best interests of children and families. (TNA)
