Traditionally, new mothers are kept at home for 30 days after giving birth. It is a time for delightful bonding with your infant and learning how to care for a baby for first-time mothers. The confinement time following pregnancy and childbirth is also critical for postpartum healing and reconditioning. Whether you want to employ a confinement nanny or stay in a centre, this is what you should budget for confinement in Singapore in 2022/2023.

Employing a Confinement Nanny

The primary responsibility of confinement nannies is to care for the mother postpartum. Cooking confinement meals and producing herbal tonics, red date tea, and herbal water for showers are typical responsibilities. They also assist with newborn-related tasks, allowing moms to focus on recuperating and bonding with their child. Changing diapers, feeding, bathing, and washing laundry for mother and babe are common examples. Many also offer years of experience and knowledge, which may benefit worried new parents. All of this, of course, comes at a cost.

For a 28-day period, a live-in confinement nanny normally costs between $2,800 and $3,800. Remember to account for their sleeping arrangements, which may involve the purchase of a mattress and linens (about $150).

If your nanny is coming from Malaysia, you’ll need to pay $35 for a work visa, $60 for a monthly tax ($300 if the infant is not a Singapore citizen), and around $250 for a foreign domestic worker insurance plan. You also pay for two-way transportation, which might cost up to $300, depending on the form of transportation.

Some families may instead hire a part-time or daytime confinement nanny. However, you won’t save as much as you think because they only work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, fees often vary between $2,500 and $3,500. This is because part-time nannies must pay for their own lodging and daily transportation.

Freelance or Agency

A successful freelance confinement nanny is typically based on word-of-mouth referrals. As a result, they charge greater rates. For the 28 days, budget between $3,300 and $4,000 USD. Experienced, in-demand Singaporean nannies are also more expensive than Malaysian nannies, with some charging up to $1,000 more!

You should note that if you opt to employ a freelance nanny from Malaysia, you will be responsible for all documentation. This is why using an agency can be beneficial. Government-regulated agencies oversee confinement nanny training, employment scope agreements, placement, guarantees, work licences, and insurance, among other things.

Please remember that all costs are estimations, and the exact cost will depend on your demands, such as if you have twins. Also, supply drops during holiday seasons like Chinese New Year, so if you need a confinement nanny during those times, book early and prepare to pay a premium.

Confinement Centres

Do you wish to have a hassle-free indulgence during your confinement (or is your house simply not a favourable environment)? Consider spending on one of Singapore’s top confinement facilities and let the professionals look after you — and your baby. It includes a stay in a beautiful hotel-style suite with all the confinement amenities you want.

Of course, the cost of confinement centres in Singapore is not cheap and should not be if you want exceptional care and cuisine. For 14- to 28-day packages, expect to pay anything from $8,000 to $28,000. Round-the-clock confinement nanny services, lactation consultations, infant nurseries, postnatal massage treatments, and dietitian-planned meals are among the benefits.