I REFER to last Saturday's report, 'Baby bonus has had little impact so far'.

In my opinion, a key point was missed. The Baby Bonus scheme is a success as it has stemmed the decline in the number of new births.

Admittedly, while most parents do not plan a baby with the financial incentive in mind, the absence of such a scheme would have persuaded at least some to put off the decision or even do without a child.

I speak as a father of four children, aged between two and eight. I am grateful to the Government for the financial assistance made possible with the bonus, especially as my third child requires intervention for special needs.

The scheme also greatly helped with the monthly expenses associated with day care for my other three children as my wife also works, albeit in a job with more flexibility and, consequently, less pay.

I remember the exhilaration of my wife, as she listened to the National Day Rally speech last year, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that the scheme would also benefit families who wanted a fifth child. We deliberated and eventually expected our fifth child early this year, although it did not happen in the end.

While we are putting off plans for now, the scheme or its removal would be a major factor in our decision in the future.

I feel compelled to write in as I feel strongly that this is a policy that is working.

As it is a personal opinion, perhaps a straw poll should be taken to verify with parents who have had babies post-scheme on whether it was indeed a key consideration. -Nicholas Lim

This article was first published in The Straits Times.