Looking for a Confinement Nanny in Singapore? Read This First
During your first month as new parents, it can feel especially daunting to care for a helpless newborn. Having a confinement nanny by your side can provide you with some support and give you a little more confidence as you transition into parenthood.
Here’s a guide on how to find a suitable confinement nanny in Singapore, its costs and other details that you may need.
What A Confinement Nanny Does
Confinement nannies are meant to take care of both mother and child in that crucial first month, allowing new mums ample time to heal, rest and bond with their babies.
Full-time confinement nannies typically live with the family for up to a month, though it’s also possible to extend your nanny’s contract should you require additional support beyond the first month.
Focused primarily on the mother and baby’s well-being, they would usually cook nutritious confinement dishes to nourish the mother and help out with baby-related chores. This might include feeding the baby, changing their diapers, bathing the baby, doing the mother’s and baby’s laundry and, occasionally, other domestic chores like sweeping and mopping.
For nervous new mums, confinement nannies also serve as a valuable source of advice on how best to care for the newborn, and to recover well post-partum.
Where to Find Confinement Nannies in Singapore
Confinement nannies are easily found online, but in order to find the best options, here are several sources you might want to consider
Word of mouth referrals
Nothing beats getting confinement nanny recommendations from other satisfied parents. Having lived with the nanny for a good month, they’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know, from how the nanny interacted with the mother and baby to how tasty their cooking is.
Given that you’re going to invite this person to stay in your home, it’s important to find out as much as possible about the nanny beforehand, from a source you can trust. The best freelance confinement nannies are typically introduced to new mothers this way, though they may also cost more.
Parenting forums
If no one in your circle has a nanny to recommend, try looking up local parenting forums. These are also a good place to find confinement nannies and read reviews about them. This is especially useful if you’ve already shortlisted some names and would like to find out if there were any complaints against your candidates.
Dedicated confinement nanny agencies
Easily found online, confinement nanny agencies are the easiest places to find a good nanny. These agencies are like a one-stop shop where you can ask questions and have a consultant answer them. The consultant will also explain in detail what your nanny will do for you and provide other relevant information.
Cost of Confinement Nannies in Singapore
Salary
With many freelancers and agencies around, the exact cost to hire a confinement nanny can vary a lot.
To give you a better idea, the cost for a live-in confinement nanny from a Singaporean nanny agency would typically cost $2,500-$3,500 for one child, for a period of 28 days. Hiring a live-in confinement nanny from Malaysia (also popular among parents here) would typically cost about $3,000-3,500 for the same period.
As we mentioned before, more ‘in-demand’ nannies can command higher salaries, so make sure to cast your net wide to find one that suits your budget.
Ang bao
Did you know that you’re expected to give your confinement nanny ang bao as well? Put aside $180-$200 for your confinement nanny’s ang bao, which will be given to the nanny on the first and last day of confinement.
‘First day ang baos’ usually range from $30-$80, while ‘last day ang baos’ can range from $100-$500, depending on how happy you were with their services. Some nanny agencies may even state a mandatory ang bao amount to be given.
Insurance
Do note that all new and existing nannies entering Singapore from 1 January 2021 must have medical insurance with a coverage of at least $10,000. This is for medical expenses in the event they develop Covid-19 symptoms or test positive within 14 days of their arrival in Singapore.
This insurance must be purchased before the nanny arrives in Singapore. This is on top of usual medical insurance that needs to be purchased for the nanny to cover other medical expenses, illnesses or injuries sustained in Singapore. The coverage of this insurance needs to be at least $15,000.
Other Expenses
As the confinement nanny will be living in your home for at least a month, you’ll need to get them a mattress and bedding which would cost around $150.
Additionally, the cost of confinement supplements and herbal products will also come out of your pocket, and this could add up to $300-$500.
The nanny may also need specialised kitchen equipment like a slow cooker, double boiler, and/or thermos flask to cook the nutritious dishes. These would cost about $200.
If you’d like the confinement nanny to cook for additional family members, there may be an extra charge of around $100 per additional member.
Additional costs for Malaysian confinement nannies
Take note that hiring a confinement nanny from Malaysia will also incur the following additional costs:
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Due to COVID-19, you’ll need to cover the costs for the mandatory COVID-19 tests and Stay Home Notice accommodation (21-day Stay Home Notice required, as per SafeTravel requirements): On-arrival Covid-19 test ($160) + 21-day stay at SHN-dedicated facility ($3,000) + COVID-19 tests during SHN ($200)
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Permit, levy and medical insurance for Malaysian nanny: Confinement nanny permit ($35 per application) + levy ($60 per month if baby is Singaporean citizen or $300 a month if baby is not Singaporean citizen) + insurance (approximately $250)
At the time of publishing, note that confinement nannies from all countries except Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China and New Zealand are no longer permitted entry.
With the unpredictability of the COVID-19 situation, make sure to check the SafeTravel website for updates on the restrictions and protocols, especially if you’re close to your due date and expecting your nanny to arrive from Malaysia.
Tips for Hiring a Confinement Nanny
Make sure to book at least 3-6 months in advance to ensure that you’ll get a nanny, especially if you’re due around festive periods. Confinement nannies may cost more during periods like Chinese New Year due to less nannies being available.
Also, think about what you might need most help with, whether it’s cooking, taking care of the baby, or all of the above. This can help you decide if you need a full-time or part-time confinement nanny. A part-time nanny is also a good option if you’re not comfortable having a live-in nanny or the cost of a live-in nanny is too high.
What If You Don't Want to Hire a Confinement Nanny?
Although confinement nannies are not absolutely necessary, they can be very helpful, no matter a mother’s experience in taking care of babies. However, for those who do not wish to engage a confinement nanny, there are other options available to help with your post-partum recovery.
Relatives like your in-laws and grandparents can be asked to help out while the mother recuperates post birth.
There are also services like confinement food delivery that can relieve the burden of cooking, while ensuring the mother is nourished and in the best of health.
Keep You and Your Child Safe
Apart from hiring a confinement nanny to take care of you and your baby, it’s important to explore ways to enhance protection for yourself and your baby during this crucial period.
One good way would be to ensure that you are sufficiently insured. Enhanced IncomeShield ensures that your baby’s hospital and surgical expenses will be covered, giving you peace of mind.
PA Secure covers the mother and child in case of any accidents or catching infectious disease such as dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease and chicken pox. Additionally, its family plan provides coverage for you, your spouse and all your dependant children without any additional premiums.
Discover the best options for you and your child by consulting our friendly advisors today.
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income Insurance products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. For customised advice to suit your specific needs, consult an Income Insurance advisor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
These policies are protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact Income Insurance or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org. sg).
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