How to Find a Good Confinement Nanny in Singapore
Experienced confinement nannies in Singapore book out months in advance. Here is where to find one, how to interview them, the MOM visa situation, and what your contract must cover.
Where to Find a Confinement Nanny
There is no single centralised directory for confinement nannies in Singapore. Finding one requires using multiple channels and starting your search early.
Agencies vet their nannies, handle matching, and often provide some support if issues arise. They charge a placement fee (S$200 to S$600) on top of the nanny fee. Reputable agencies can provide references and documented background checks.
Search "confinement nanny agency Singapore" for current providers. Ask peers for recommendations.
The most trusted source. Ask friends, family, colleagues, or mothers in your antenatal class. A nanny who performed well for someone you trust is a strong endorsement.
Start asking in your second trimester; good nannies are often passed between families directly.
Groups like "Confinement Nanny Singapore," "Singapore Motherhood," and "SG Mums" have active listings and recommendations. Read reviews carefully and always verify independently.
Your antenatal clinic or hospital social worker may have referrals. KKH and NUH sometimes keep informal lists of known nannies in their networks.
By 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy if possible, and no later than 24 weeks. Experienced local nannies may be booked 3 to 4 months in advance for popular months (January-February around Chinese New Year, and September-October). Malaysian nannies are more available but still benefit from early booking.
Interview Questions to Ask
Always meet or video-call a prospective nanny before committing. Here are the key questions to ask.
- Experience: How many confinement assignments have you completed? Can you provide references from the last 3 families?
- Cooking: What confinement dishes and herbal soups can you prepare? Do you cook from scratch or use packaged herbs?
- Night duty: What is your approach to night feeds? (Clarify: will they do all night feeds, alternate, or only settle the baby after you feed?)
- Newborn experience: Are you comfortable with preterm or jaundiced babies? Have you supported families with breastfeeding challenges?
- Languages: What languages do you speak? (Important for daily communication and if older relatives will be interacting with the nanny.)
- What is not included: Ask directly what they will not do. Heavy housework? Cooking for older children? Helping older siblings?
- Emergency handling: What would you do if you noticed the baby was having trouble breathing or was not feeding properly?
- Health: Have you been vaccinated for pertussis (whooping cough)? Do you have any communicable conditions?
- Living arrangements: Do they require a private room? What bathroom access do they need?
The MOM Permit Situation for Malaysian Nannies
Malaysian confinement nannies are a significant portion of the Singapore market, but their immigration status is a common source of confusion for families.
The situation: Confinement nanny work is not a recognised work category under Singapore's Work Permit or S-Pass framework (which are for domestic workers or semi-skilled workers in specific industries). Malaysian nannies typically enter Singapore on a Social Visit Pass (SVP), which allows a 30-day stay (extendable to 60 days, sometimes up to 90 days depending on circumstances).
Under an SVP, the individual is technically not supposed to be receiving income for work in Singapore. In practice, this is a widely observed grey area that MOM has not aggressively enforced for confinement nannies caring for a single family. However, the status can change, and families should be aware of the legal ambiguity.
What to do: Work with a reputable agency that is familiar with the current approach. Ensure the nanny enters on a valid SVP. Keep the engagement to the standard 28 to 30 days unless extension is confirmed. Do not post publicly about a Malaysian nanny "working" in Singapore in ways that could draw scrutiny.
The Contract: What to Include
A written agreement is essential even with a highly recommended nanny. It protects both parties and prevents misunderstandings during a stressful time.
- Start and end dates
- Total fee and payment schedule (deposit at booking, balance on first day or end)
- What is included (list all duties)
- What is not included
- Working hours (e.g. day shift 7am to 10pm, night duty 10pm to 7am)
- Day off arrangement (if any)
- Accommodation and bathroom access arrangements
- Meals provided by family or self-catered
- Termination clause (if the arrangement is not working, what is the notice period and refund policy)
- Confidentiality (if you value your privacy in a shared household)
If a nanny refuses to sign any written agreement, treat this as a significant red flag.