How much does it cost to hire a confinement nanny in Singapore?
Article by Cherlynn Ng
The postpartum period is just as important as pregnancy. Not only is there a lot to adjust to, but you also have to take great care so that your body can recuperate. With so much requiring your attention even though you are depleted from childbirth, some parents turn to confinement nannies for some extra help.
One of the primary considerations would be pricing. How much do you have to pay to engage a confinement lady? Is it worth it? What do the expenses cover?
A full-time confinement nanny in Singapore can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for a 28-day package. Prices vary according to several factors:
Stay-in or daytime nanny?
Some parents prefer to have a daytime or part-time nanny due to personal preferences or a lack of space at home. Such nannies do not spend the night and work regular hours from 9am to 6pm. They perform basic tasks such as simple household chores, caring for mother and child in the day, and preparing confinement tonics.
Prices for daytime nannies are actually similar to full-timers, as you have to factor in costs for their daily transportation and their own accommodation outside. Many parents prefer to simply opt for a live-in nanny so that she can help to care for their newborn throughout the night.
Freelancers or from an agency?
You can either hire a freelance nanny or go through a professional confinement nanny agency. Although they cost around the same, the former actually comes with more risks. There have been reports of freelance nannies cancelling last-minute or disappearing with the deposit after the booking is confirmed. Parents are then left helpless and in the lurch with no nanny. Some also find themselves with little recourse in the event of a dispute during the confinement period or if they are dissatisfied with the service provided.
Many couples find that engaging a confinement nanny agency is worth the extra cost because their interests are safeguarded. Not only will the agency handle all the paperwork and administrative tasks, you are also guaranteed a nanny regardless of your EDD. There is also constant customer support and most agencies offer a one-time free replacement of nannies.
At Confinement Angels, all our nannies undergo a rigorous training programme, stringent audits and annual health checks before they are certified fit for work. This ensures that our nannies are equipped with in-depth knowledge, skills and expertise in a wide range of areas such as breastfeeding support, proper hygiene methods, baby safety practices and confinement diet planning so that they provide only the highest standards of confinement care.
Is it a high-demand period?
Surcharges usually apply during Chinese New Year. Prices have also gone up due to the Covid-19 pandemic, due to extra costs from mandatory swab tests and Stay-Home Notice accommodation. Additionally, travel border restrictions have resulted in a shortage of confinement nannies from Malaysia.
Other miscellaneous expenses
Confinement nanny prices will also vary according to:
- How many storeys your house has
- Whether you need newborn care for a single baby, twins or more
Do also take note of additional costs including:
- Insurance
- Work permit
- Government levy
- Ang baos to be given to your nanny on the first and last day of confinement
- Groceries and confinement herbs
When should I book my confinement nanny?
We recommend booking your nanny as early as possible so that you can secure a slot, especially considering the high demand in Singapore recently. This not only allows you to find a nanny that will best suit your needs, but also leaves ample time for all the necessary administrative arrangements to be made. Seven months in advance is a comfortable period, while some mothers even book their nanny as soon as they learn about their pregnancy. Many agencies offer an early-bird discount as well.
Make sure to do research and lay out your requirements clearly during your search for the ideal confinement lady. We hope you find your dream nanny and wish you a smooth-sailing confinement!
P.S – Known as the celebrities’ choice, Confinement Angels provides parents with complete peace of mind and maximum comfort by attending to every single aspect of the confinement experience. All of our confinement nannies undergo rigorous training based on an 88-hour syllabus, before being subject to another round of stringent evaluation to determine if they are ready to be deployed for assignments. Because at Confinement Angels, we go above and beyond to bring you only the best.
Book our confinement nanny service package and receive a free complimentary newborn baby photo session worth $188!
T&Cs: Offer is not applicable with any other ongoing promotions, offers, vouchers or privileges unless otherwise stated
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