If you’re a first-time mom, you’ve probably heard this phrase more than once: “You need rest. Let someone take care of you and the baby.”

That “someone” is often a confinement nanny—a quiet hero who steps into your home during the most intense, beautiful, and exhausting weeks of your life. But if you’ve never hired one before, the process can feel confusing. How do you choose the right person? What do they actually do? How soon should you book?

This guide walks you through everything—from picking the right nanny to managing the first week together—so you can focus on what really matters: bonding with your baby and recovering with peace of mind.

1. What a Confinement Nanny Really Does

A confinement nanny isn’t just a helper. She’s part caregiver, part cook, part coach, and sometimes, a gentle therapist.

Her role is to support your postpartum recovery based on traditional confinement practices—usually lasting between 28 and 44 days after birth.

Here’s what she typically handles:

• Newborn care: Feeding, burping, bathing, and soothing your baby so you can rest.
• Postnatal meals: Preparing nutritious confinement dishes (think warming soups and herbal tonics).
• Household help: Keeping your space tidy, doing light laundry, and ensuring hygiene for you and your baby.
• Emotional support: Offering reassurance when you’re sleep-deprived, hormonal, and adjusting to motherhood.

In short, she’s the extra pair of hands—and heart—you didn’t know you needed.

2. When to Start Looking

Here’s the truth: good confinement nannies get booked fast. Some families secure their nanny as early as the second trimester.

Why so early? Because trusted nannies often work back-to-back assignments, especially around festive or popular birth months.

Ideally, start your search by your fifth month of pregnancy. That gives you time to interview, compare agencies, and clarify terms without stress.

If you’re already in your third trimester—don’t panic. Some agencies have standby nannies or can recommend experienced freelancers. But you’ll need to move quickly.

3. Agency vs. Freelance: What’s Right for You?

You’ll find two main paths to hiring a confinement nanny:

Through an Agency

Pros: Agencies handle documentation, contracts, and replacements if your nanny falls ill or can’t continue. Many also vet training, references, and health checks.

Cons: Fees can be higher, and you might have less flexibility in choosing a specific nanny.

Freelance Nannies

Pros: Usually more affordable and flexible with schedules. Some mothers prefer hiring based on word-of-mouth recommendations.

Cons: You’ll need to handle all the paperwork yourself—permits, insurance, and even medical tests if required.

Whichever route you take, trust your instincts. Experience matters, but personality fit matters even more—especially when someone is living under your roof during such a vulnerable time.

4. How to Interview a Confinement Nanny

Think of the interview as a two-way conversation. You’re not just checking skills—you’re seeing if she fits your family’s rhythm.

Here are a few questions to ask:

• How many years of experience do you have, and what types of families have you worked with?
• How do you handle a crying baby who doesn’t settle easily?
• Can you cook confinement meals, and do you follow specific dietary traditions?
• How do you balance rest time for the mother and your own work hours?
• Are you vaccinated and medically cleared to work with newborns?

Also, observe her tone and confidence. The best nannies combine calm with competence—they reassure without being overbearing.

5. Costs and What’s Included

Rates vary depending on experience, country, and whether you book through an agency. But on average, confinement nannies charge for a 28-day package, which may range from mid- to high four-figure sums depending on the region.

The package typically includes:

• 24-hour care for mother and baby
• Three to five confinement meals daily
• Herbal or tonic preparations (if supplied)
• Laundry and nursery upkeep

Extra costs may include:

• Transport to and from your home
• Additional weeks (beyond the agreed period)
• Special cooking ingredients or confinement herbs

Always get a written contract—clarity now prevents awkward conversations later.

6. Getting Your Home Ready

A little preparation goes a long way. Before your nanny arrives, make sure the essentials are in place:

• Sleeping space: Many families prepare a small guest room or comfortable corner near the nursery.
• Baby supplies: Diapers, bottles, clothes, and wipes within easy reach.
• Kitchen basics: Stock up on staples—rice, ginger, sesame oil, and herbs if you’re following traditional recipes.
• House rules: If you prefer no shoes indoors or have specific hygiene routines, note them early.

A welcoming, organized environment helps your nanny settle in faster—and keeps your recovery smoother.

7. The First Week: What to Expect

Your first week together might feel like a mix of relief and adjustment. You’ll be learning how to nurse, heal, and rest, while your nanny learns your preferences and household flow.

Expect her to:

• Wake up at night for baby feeds or diaper changes
• Cook daily meals that promote recovery
• Monitor your rest and hydration
• Offer gentle reminders about self-care
• Help with bathing or massaging your baby (if part of her duties)

Don’t hesitate to speak up early if something feels off. Clear, respectful communication prevents small misunderstandings from turning into tension.

And remember—it’s normal to feel emotional. The right nanny won’t just care for your baby; she’ll care for you as you regain your confidence.

8. Cultural Traditions vs. Personal Comfort

Confinement care often comes with rules passed down through generations: no cold water, no fans, no showering, and plenty of ginger tea.

Some mothers love following them to the letter. Others adjust them to fit modern lifestyles. Either way, your nanny should support your choice.

If you want to bathe daily or use the air conditioner, say so upfront. A good nanny will respect your preferences while ensuring you stay healthy. Tradition should guide, not dictate, your recovery.

9. When Things Don’t Work Out

Sometimes, despite best efforts, the fit isn’t right. Maybe your nanny’s methods don’t align with yours, or her cooking style isn’t what you expected.

If issues arise:

• Address them early: Be honest but kind. Clear communication often fixes small problems quickly.
• Seek support: If hired through an agency, contact your coordinator for mediation or replacement.
• Stay professional: Remember, this is a working relationship. Gratitude and respect go a long way, even in parting.

Every mother’s postpartum journey is different. Finding the right support system is about chemistry as much as credentials.

10. Your Journey, Your Rhythm

Hiring a confinement nanny isn’t just about convenience—it’s about care. It’s about creating space for you to heal, bond, and grow into motherhood without burning out.

The right nanny can transform those hazy, sleepless nights into a steady rhythm of rest, recovery, and reassurance.

So take your time. Ask questions. Trust your gut. Because when the right person walks through your door, she doesn’t just help you manage the days—she helps you enjoy them.

Motherhood is a journey you’ll never forget. And with the right confinement nanny by your side, you’ll remember it not just for the sleepless nights—but for the peace that followed.

Ready to Rest, Recover, and Reconnect with Your Baby?

Let experienced confinement nannies make your postpartum days peaceful and stress-free. From nourishing meals to round-the-clock newborn care, our trusted professionals help you focus on what matters most—your recovery and your baby’s first moments.

Book your Confinement Nanny in Singapore today and experience care that feels like family.