How Much Does a Confinement Nanny Cost in Singapore?
Confinement nanny fees range from S$2,000 for a Malaysian nanny to S$4,500 for an experienced local. Here is what affects the price, what you get, and the MOM permit situation explained.
Cost Range
Confinement nanny fees in Singapore have risen significantly in recent years due to demand and the limited pool of experienced nannies. Here are current market rates for a standard 28-day engagement.
| Type | Cost per Month (28 days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Singapore nanny | S$2,800 - S$4,500 | Most experienced command highest fees; no MOM permit needed |
| Malaysian nanny (via agency) | S$2,000 - S$3,500 | Social Visit Pass required; see MOM section below |
| Confinement centre package | S$5,000 - S$9,000 | Residential; includes accommodation, meals, professional care |
| Agency placement fee | S$200 - S$600 (one-time) | On top of nanny fees; varies by agency |
Fees quoted are for live-in arrangements. Part-time or daytime-only nannies are less common but available at lower rates. Prices increase for Chinese New Year period confinements (peak demand).
What a Confinement Nanny Does
A confinement nanny's role covers both mother and newborn care. The exact scope varies by nanny and should be agreed in writing before engagement. Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing all confinement meals and soups
- Herbal bath preparation (if required)
- Belly binding support
- Breastfeeding encouragement and basic support
- Ensuring mother rests and eats adequately
- Night duty (all night feeds for 1-2 weeks then alternating)
- Newborn bathing
- Burping and settling baby
- Umbilical cord care
- Monitoring baby for jaundice or feeding concerns
Light housework (washing baby items, tidying kitchen after cooking) is commonly included. Heavy housework, cleaning other rooms, and caring for older children are typically outside the scope. Be explicit in your written agreement.
Local vs Malaysian Nanny
| Factor | Local Nanny | Malaysian Nanny |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher (S$2,800-4,500) | Lower (S$2,000-3,500) |
| MOM requirements | None | Social Visit Pass (30-60 days) |
| Experience pool | Smaller, high demand | Larger pool, more availability |
| Language | Typically English, Mandarin, or dialect | Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, some English |
| Cooking skills | Generally strong | Generally strong; may differ on specific dishes |
The MOM Permit Situation and Hiring Tips
Malaysian confinement nannies: Confinement nannies from Malaysia do not qualify for an S-Pass or Work Permit in Singapore, as their work category is not covered under those pass types. They typically enter Singapore on a Social Visit Pass (30 days, extendable to 60 days). They are allowed to provide care for one household. This is a legal grey area in practice, and policies can change. Work with a reputable agency familiar with the current MOM approach and obtain all documentation.
Red flags when hiring:
- No references provided or references cannot be verified
- Reluctance to sign a written agreement
- Unclear on what is and is not included in their role
- No experience caring for newborns (ask specifically about previous babies cared for)
- Agencies that cannot provide documentation of the nanny's background
- Payment required entirely upfront with no deposit structure
Book your confinement nanny as early as the first or second trimester. Experienced nannies are booked out months in advance, especially around popular birth months.