Traditionally, after giving birth, new mums spend 30 days in confinement at home. It is a time for blissful bonding with your newborn and for first-time mums, learning how to care for the baby. After undergoing pregnancy and childbirth, the confinement period is also crucial for postpartum recovery and reconditioning. Whether you plan to hire a confinement nanny or wing it yourself, here’s what you need to budget for confinement in Singapore in 2023/2024.

Hiring a Confinement Nanny

The primary focus of confinement nannies is to provide postpartum care for the mother. Standard tasks include cooking confinement meals and brewing herbal tonics, red date tea, and herbal water for showers. They also help out with newborn-related chores so mum can focus on healing and bonding with her newborn. These generally include changing diapers, feeding, bathing, and doing laundry for mum and bub. Many also bring years of experience and expertise, which can prove invaluable to anxious new parents. Naturally, all this comes at a cost.

How Much?

A live-in confinement nanny typically costs between $2,800 and $3,800 for 28 days. Don’t forget about sleeping arrangements, which may cost around $150 for a mattress and bedding.

If the nanny is from Malaysia, additional costs include a $35 work permit, a $60 monthly levy ($300 if the baby isn’t a Singapore citizen), and about $250 for a foreign domestic worker insurance plan. You’ll also cover two-way transportation, which can be upwards of $300.

Part-time or daytime confinement nannies, working from 9 am to 6 pm, cost $2,500 to $3,500. They cover their own accommodation and transport, so the savings aren’t significant.

Agency or Freelance

A successful freelance confinement nanny often relies on word-of-mouth recommendations and can command higher rates, typically between $3,300 and $4,000 for a 28-day period. Experienced Singaporean nannies may cost up to $1,000 more than Malaysian ones.

If you hire a freelance nanny from Malaysia, you’ll need to handle the paperwork yourself. Agencies can be helpful as they manage training, job scope agreements, placement, guarantees, work permits, and insurance.

All rates are estimates and depend on your specific needs, such as if you have twins. During festive periods like Chinese New Year, the demand is higher, so book early and expect to pay a premium.

Miscellaneous Costs

In Singapore, tradition dictates giving your confinement nanny two red packets at the beginning and end of the confinement period. The ‘first day ang bao’ ranges from $30 to $80, while the ‘last day ang bao’ can be between $100 and $500, depending on her service.

You’ll also need to buy confinement herbs and nourishing ingredients for meal preparation, costing around $200 to $300. If you lack a suitable slow cooker, double-boiler, or thermal flasks, expect to spend about $200 on these items.

If you require the nanny to cook regular meals for your husband or other family members, expect to pay an additional $100 per person.

Confinement Catering

If you’re enthusiastic about DIY-ing your confinement or your agreement with your confinement nanny doesn’t include cooking, confinement caterers are a godsend. Similar to tingkat meal delivery, these services conveniently deliver specially designed meals to your doorstep daily. These meals are crafted to nourish the postpartum body and promote lactation.

Confinement food delivery caterers often pair red date tea and herbal soups with their meals. Prices start from about $1,500 for both lunch and dinner over 28 days. Some, like Tian Wei Signature and Angel Confinement Meals, even offer add-ons such as lactation bakes, bird’s nest soup, and bento meals for family members.

Confinement Supplements and Herbal Products

For those who don’t have a confinement nanny to prepare the herbal soups, teas, and baths, options include getting your helper, the hapless new dad, or another family member to boil them for you. This also means buying the herbs and ingredients beforehand, of course. Unless your granduncle owns a TCM store, a good idea is to purchase confinement herbal packages.

These usually include 28 single-use packets of confinement herbs, along with cooking instructions. Some also include what you’ll need to prepare red date tea and herbal baths. Prices start at about $280 for a basic confinement herbal tonic soup package. Some mums also choose to supplement with ready-to-drink tonics such as Huiji Waist Tonic or Tian Yuan Xiang Chicken Essence.

Postnatal Massages

While a confinement nanny may prepare herbal baths for you, it usually doesn’t extend to postnatal massages. Many mums swear by Javanese postnatal massages to help them with postpartum healing and getting back to pre-pregnancy shape. It employs techniques that improve blood circulation, speed up womb recovery, and reduce post-delivery swelling.

There are also TCM and traditional Malay Jammu massages. A basic five-session package can cost upwards of $380. You may pay a little more for the masseuse to come to your home, complete with a mobile massage bed. Noura Sam Mum’s Legacy and Postnatal Massage Singapore are two postnatal massage specialists with great reviews.

Confinement Centres

For a hassle-free indulgent confinement experience, consider splurging on premium confinement centers in Singapore like Momley Loft and Kai Suites. These luxurious facilities offer hotel-style suites with all necessary confinement refinements. Prices range from $8,000 to $28,000 for 14- to 28-day packages, inclusive of round-the-clock nanny services, lactation consultations, baby nurseries, postnatal massages, and dietitian-planned meals.

Cost of Confinement in Singapore 2023/2024

In summary, the cost of confinement in Singapore for 2023/2024 typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 when hiring a confinement nanny at home for a month. Staying at a dedicated confinement center can cost up to six times more. It’s essential to book early with your preferred nanny or facility after confirming your Estimated Due Date (EDD), and consider researching and gathering recommendations ahead of time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of confinement in Singapore for 2023/2024 varies widely based on your choice of care. Hiring a confinement nanny at home typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per month, while staying at a premium confinement center can cost between $8,000 and $28,000 for 14- to 28-day packages. To ensure the best experience, book early and explore your options thoroughly.