Federal government changes which came into effect on January 1 require centres to have one staff member for every four infants, an increase in the ratio from one-to-five.

The changes are designed to create a better caring and learning environment for children and relieve pressure on staff.

MW surveyed 20 Whitehorse and Manningham childcare centres and found 18 had raised their fees because of the changes.

Blackburn mother Liz Short pays $200 a day to send her two children to childcare two days a week – $20 more than before the price increase.

After the federal government Child Care Rebate for working mothers, she pays $200 a week for childcare.

The Child Care Rebate covers half her childcare fees but parents can only claim a maximum of $7500 per child each financial year. Ms Short expects to be $5000 out of pocket this year.

‘‘Even with the rebate it’s expensive, we are still going to be more out of pocket this year than we were last year,’’ Ms Short said.

Mitcham’s Little League Professional Child Care and Kindergarten raised fees by $6 up to $80 a child, per day.

‘‘We could have put it up higher but I know parents just can’t afford it. With the new ratios you just make less money and I work harder,’’ centre director Satinder Randall said.

‘‘The ratios may be helpful for the staff, but then someone has to pay for the staff.’’

Bulleen’s Moresby Avenue Child Care and Early Learning Centre has also raised its daily fees since staffing ratios increased.

‘‘We’ve raised our fees from $80 to $88. Even $88 is not enough to cover costs of food and electricity bills,’’ director Savita Noon said.

Bulleen’s Creative Play Early Learning Centre increased its daily price from $85 to $95.

‘‘Obviously we have to employ new staff,’’ a centre spokeswoman said.