What is "Baby First" in Tokyo? How can I use it? What about support from other local governments?
The government's ``childbirth and childcare support subsidy'' was established to enable all families to give birth and raise children with peace of mind. In Tokyo, it is being implemented as ``Baby First,'' where points issued on a dedicated website can be exchanged for various items and services. Let's take a look at the content and usage, along with examples from other local governments.
What is baby first?
"Baby First" is the nickname of Tokyo's childbirth and childcare support project.
You can receive financial support worth 50,000 yen per pregnant woman during pregnancy and 100,000 yen per child after childbirth. This means that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will add 50,000 yen after giving birth to the country's "Childbirth and Childcare Support Subsidy," which provides 50,000 yen each during pregnancy and after childbirth.Instead of cash, it will be paid as points equivalent to the amount that can be used on a dedicated website.
The childbirth and child-rearing support subsidy is an economic support aimed at ``creating an environment where all pregnant women and child-rearing families can give birth and raise their children with peace of mind,'' and is operated on two pillars: the enhancement of ``accompaniment-type counseling support,'' which provides support for pregnant women and families with children aged 0 to 2 years, through interviews and information provision. As a general rule, municipalities implement this, but there are cases in which prefectures collaborate, and Tokyo's "Baby First" project is one such project.
What can I use my points for?
On the "Baby First" dedicated website, in addition to services such as housework support and childcare support, you can exchange for a wide variety of 900 items, including maternity supplies, baby clothes and miscellaneous goods, toys, and life support items that reduce the burden of housework.
The catalog has 144 pages, and product information is introduced with photos for each category.
The catalog also includes baby carriers, including BABY&Me's BELK-S, BELK-S first set, and ONE-S LIGHT.
Product information includes specifications, target age range, suitable weight, etc., but since there are 18 products in baby carriers alone, it may be difficult to choose based on the catalog alone.
You can try on BABY&Me products at stores that carry them. Please choose it after experiencing the advantages such as ease of use and unique structure that reduces burden.
How to use Baby First?
You can enter by submitting your pregnancy notification and birth notification to the municipal office where you live.
However, as I mentioned earlier, this project also aims to enhance escort-type counseling support, so it is necessary to have interviews at certain times, such as when submitting a pregnancy notification, during the latter stages of pregnancy, and after giving birth. Once you have submitted your application and received an interview, you will receive a card that allows you to access a special website, so you can access it using the two-dimensional code written on it, select a product, and apply.
You don't have to use all of your points at once; you can split them up and use them multiple times within the deadline. There are some items in the catalog that can be exchanged for a small number of points, such as consumables and food, so it's a good idea to apply for product exchange if necessary.
Are there any in other municipalities?
The childbirth and childcare support subsidy is a national policy, so it can be used in local governments across the country.
However, there is no other municipality like Tokyo that has its own additional system. In the ordinance-designated cities of Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya, the amount of benefits during pregnancy and after childbirth is 50,000 yen each.
All local governments have the same requirement to register their pregnancy or birth and undergo an interview at a set time.
The method of payment differs depending on the local government, and in some cases, like Tokyo, points are issued on a dedicated website, while in others, cash is transferred to a designated bank account.
You can find out what kind of support programs and methods are provided in your area by contacting each local government's office, or by searching the internet for the name of your local government and ``childbirth and childcare support grants.''
What should I be careful about when receiving benefits?
There is no problem if you pay in cash, but if you use coupons or points, there may be an expiration date.
Tokyo's "Baby First" points expire six months after issuance. Points will be awarded at the same time as you log in to the dedicated site, so make sure to apply for products as soon as possible after registering to make the most of your points.
