Sleep deprivation, stitches or surgical recovery, and a newborn’s round-the-clock needs can feel intense in the first month. That is why many families research confinement nanny duties early, so they can set clear expectations and protect a mum’s rest during the confinement period (the traditional 30 to 40 days after birth, focused on recovery and newborn care).
In Singapore, a confinement nanny supports both baby care and postpartum routines at home, including key Chinese confinement practices such as confinement food, herbal soups, and herbal bath preparation. When you know what sits inside the role (and what does not), daily life runs more smoothly from day one.
What a confinement nanny does in Singapore (scope in one view)
A professional confinement nanny Singapore families hire typically focuses on two priorities: day and night baby care, and practical postpartum support for the mum.
PEM nannies provide 1-to-1 personalised care at home. PEM also brings deep experience to the role, with 30+ years in the industry, 550+ nannies, and service to 50,000+ mothers.
You can explore how the service works and what families typically request when you check out PEM’s confinement nanny service details here.
Complete checklist of confinement nanny duties
Below is a practical checklist you can use to align expectations with your household routine.
1) Day and night baby care (core duty)
Your nanny typically handles hands-on newborn care throughout the day and during the night, while ensuring the baby’s routine stays gentle and consistent.
Common tasks include:
- Feeding support (breastfeeding or expressed milk or formula, based on your preference)
- Burping and settling
- Diaper changes and hygiene
- Baby bathing and basic baby grooming
- Monitoring baby’s cues (hunger cues include rooting and sucking motions)
If you plan to breastfeed, your nanny can guide you on positioning and latching (the way your baby attaches to the breast to feed effectively). This support often reduces stress in the early days when feeds feel frequent and unpredictable.
2) Breastfeeding and pumping guidance
Many mums want hands-on help that feels calm and non-judgemental, especially in the first two weeks.
Your nanny can support by:
- Helping you set up a comfortable feeding station
- Guiding different feeding positions (for example, cradle hold and football hold)
- Assisting with pump parts cleaning and a workable expressing schedule
- Tracking baby’s feed and sleep notes to spot patterns
If you face severe pain, fever, or concerns about the baby’s intake, seek medical advice promptly. A nanny can support day-to-day routines, but a doctor or a qualified clinician should make medical decisions.
3) Confinement food, herbal soups, and tonic cooking
Food planning becomes tiring when you are recovering and feeding a newborn. Confinement cooking focuses on warm, nourishing meals that fit common Chinese confinement practices.
Typical support includes:
- Preparing daily confinement meals (often multiple smaller meals)
- Cooking herbal soups and simple tonics based on your preferences
- Coordinating ingredients and kitchen workflow to keep meals on time
You should share your dietary needs early (for example, halal considerations, allergies, or whether you prefer less ginger or less oil), so the nanny can customise within your household norms.
4) Herbal bath preparation and basic postpartum comfort routines
Many families include a herbal bath as part of confinement, using prepared herbs added to bath water for warmth and comfort.
PEM nannies are trained to prepare herbal packages. If you want added convenience, mums can add on the herbal package at a special rate so that the nanny can prepare it according to the intended routine at home.
Do note that herbal baths form part of cultural postpartum care, not medical treatment. If you have wounds, stitches, or skin concerns, ask your doctor what is suitable for you.
5) Baby laundry and baby item hygiene
This sits inside typical confinement nanny duties because newborns go through many clothing changes each day.
Your nanny usually supports with:
- Washing baby clothes, swaddles, towels, and bedding (as preferred by the family)
- Sterilising bottles, teats, and pump parts based on your feeding method
- Keeping the nursery area tidy and hygienic
- Maintaining a clean workflow in the kitchen after confinement cooking
This stays focused on mum-and-baby needs rather than full household chores.
What is usually not included
Clear boundaries reduce tension when everyone is tired.
A confinement nanny typically does not:
- Do heavy general housework (for example, deep cleaning the whole home)
- Provide care for older siblings as a primary duty
- Run errands as a main task (unless you both agree on an occasional need)
- Give medical advice, diagnose conditions, or manage medications
If you feel persistently low, anxious, or overwhelmed, take it seriously and seek professional help. Postpartum depression is a medical condition and needs timely assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
A simple expectations table you can screenshot
| Area | Typically included | Usually excluded |
| Baby care | Feeding support, bathing, soothing, and sleep routine support | Medical judgment, treating illnesses |
| Mum support | Confinement food, herbal soups, herbal bath preparation, breastfeeding guidance | Counselling or mental health treatment |
| Home tasks | Baby laundry, bottle sterilising, light kitchen and nursery tidying | Whole-home deep cleaning, extended family meals |
How to set expectations before day one
Most friction comes from unclear routines, not from the workload itself. Use these steps to make the first week go more smoothly.
1) Share your birth plan flexibility
Let your nanny know whether you prefer more rest time, more hands-on teaching, or a balance. Some mums want to learn every step; others wish to recover first, then learn.
2) Clarify night arrangements
“Day and night baby care” still requires realistic rest for everyone. Agree on how night feeds will work, where the baby sleeps, and how you will be woken for breastfeeding if needed.
3) Decide your confinement food preferences
List ingredients you avoid, your spice tolerance, and whether you want soups daily. If you follow specific Chinese confinement practices (for example, avoiding “cooling” foods), say so clearly.
4) Agree on hygiene routines
Confirm how you prefer bottles sterilised, how laundry is handled, and how visitors will interact with the baby.
5) Keep a simple daily log
A notebook or shared note for feeds, diapers, and sleep helps you feel in control, especially when days blur together.
Final checklist: questions to ask yourself
Use this quick list to confirm what you actually need:
- Do I want full-day and night baby care, or just daytime support?
- Am I breastfeeding, expressing, or formula feeding, and what support feels helpful?
- Which confinement meals and herbal soups do I want daily?
- Do I want herbal bath preparation, and should I add the herbal package for convenience?
- What household tasks matter most for my stress levels (baby laundry, sterilising, kitchen workflow)?
When your expectations match the role, confinement care feels steady and reassuring, even on the hardest nights.
If you want help planning the proper scope and dates, you can reach PEM directly and ask for availability here. Enquire now or get a free quote.
