A baby changes everything, including how much help you need at home. For many families, a helper is what makes returning to work possible.

Caring for an infant is not the same as general household help. It requires specific experience, steady attention and a calm disposition. Here is what to look for, and how we help you find it.

A helper is not a confinement nanny

These two are often confused. A confinement nanny specialises in the first month or so after birth, with nutritious meals, overnight feeds and settling a newborn. They usually stay only for that period. A domestic helper is a longer-term arrangement, caring for your baby alongside the running of the home, often for the full length of her contract.

Some families use both: a confinement nanny for the first weeks, then a helper who takes over as daily life resumes. If you are unsure which you need, tell us your situation and we will talk it through.

What infant care asks of a helper

Be clear about what the role involves before looking at candidates. Infant care usually means:

● Feeding and routine. Preparing milk, keeping to feed and nap times, and holding the schedule you set.

● Hygiene. Sterilising bottles, keeping the baby's things clean, careful handwashing. This is not optional with an infant.

● Safe handling. Bathing, carrying and settling a baby gently and with confidence.

● Alertness. Noticing when something is off, and telling you early.

The experience that matters

An infant leaves little room for guesswork, so prior hands-on experience with babies are important. A helper who has cared for a newborn before, whether it's her own children or a previous employer's, understands the struggle and the attention required readily.

We match on real, relevant experience, and we will be honest with you about what a helper has actually done with infants.

Questions that reveal real experience

When you interview, usually by video call, ask about the real thing:

● Tell me about a baby you have cared for. What was your day like?

● How do you prepare milk/food?

● What would you do if the baby has a fever, or will not stop crying?

A helper who answers about her routine easily, with specifics, is usually describing something she has done often.

A note on the levy concession

If your household includes a Singapore citizen child under 16, you may qualify for MOM's concessionary levy rate, which is considerably lower than the standard rate. It is worth checking before you budget.

Getting the match right

Trusting someone with your baby is a big step, and the right helper makes it easier to breathe. We match on experience that fits your family, not a checklist.

Speak to our team about a helper for infant care.

This guide is for general information. Requirements, fees and levy rates are set by the Ministry of Manpower and change from time to time. For the current rules, refer to mom.gov.sg.

Hiring a Helper for Newborn or Infant Care in Singapore