Infant Care Maids in Singapore: Support for New Parents
Welcoming a new baby is joyful but exhausting. An infant care maid can support feeding, bathing, sleep routines and household chores so parents can rest and focus on bonding. This guide explains what infant care helpers can do, their limits, and how to choose the right profile.
At a glance
Many Singapore families choose to hire an infant care helper when:
- Both parents are working and need daily support.
- There are older children at home as well as a new baby.
- Grandparents are present but cannot manage all the physical tasks alone.
At Honest Recruiter, we focus on matching patient, gentle and teachable helpers for infant care placements, and we encourage clear communication between parents and helper from the start.
What infant care maids can help with
Depending on your baby’s age and your preferences, an infant care maid can support:
1. Basic baby care
- Changing diapers and keeping the baby clean and dry.
- Bathing the baby safely (usually after parents demonstrate their preferred way).
- Dressing the baby appropriately for the weather.
2. Feeding support
- Preparing milk feeds (formula or expressed breastmilk) according to your instructions.
- Washing and sterilising bottles and pump parts.
- Helping to burp the baby after feeds.
3. Sleep routines & soothing
- Helping to follow a simple nap and bedtime routine set by parents.
- Carrying, patting or soothing baby to sleep (within safe practices).
- Monitoring the baby while sleeping and informing parents if anything seems unusual.
4. Household chores related to baby
- Washing baby clothes and linens.
- Keeping the baby’s room and common areas clean and tidy.
- Preparing simple meals for mum and family, so parents can rest more.
5. Support for mum
- Helping with light chores so mum can rest, pump or breastfeed.
- Maintaining a calm, supportive presence in the home.
What infant care maids cannot do
It is important to set realistic expectations. An infant care helper is not:
- A confinement nanny providing specialised post-natal care for mum.
- A nurse or medical professional who can make medical decisions.
- Someone who should be left completely alone to handle emergencies without guidance.
Parents should still:
- Decide on feeding methods, schedules and sleep approaches.
- Handle medical appointments and medication instructions.
- Provide clear safety rules (e.g. safe sleeping positions, no shaking, no risky practices).
Is an infant care maid suitable for your family?
An infant care maid can be very helpful if:
- Both parents have demanding work schedules.
- You prefer your baby to be cared for at home rather than in an infant care centre.
- There are multiple children in the household.
- You want someone to help at night or early mornings (within agreed limits and rest hours).
You may prefer other options (e.g. grandparents + part-time help, infant care centre, nanny) if:
- You are not comfortable with a live-in helper at this stage.
- Your home space is limited for a stay-in arrangement.
- You prefer structured centre-based programmes for your baby.
How to choose the right infant care helper
When reviewing candidates, consider:
1. Previous baby experience
- Has she cared for newborns or infants before? In Singapore or overseas?
- What were her specific duties – night feeds, bathing, bottle prep, soothing?
- Can she describe basic baby cues (hungry, sleepy, unwell)?
2. Personality and temperament
- Gentle, patient and calm under stress.
- Willing to follow parents’ preferred methods even if different from her previous employer.
- Emotionally stable – babies can cry a lot, especially during growth spurts.
3. Communication
- Can she understand and speak basic English (or your preferred language) to follow baby-related instructions?
- Does she ask questions when unsure, instead of guessing?
4. Family alignment
Make sure both parents are aligned on:
- What tasks the helper will handle for the baby vs for the house.
- How nights and rest hours will be arranged.
- What non-negotiable safety rules must be followed.
Setting routines & safety at home
Clear routines make it easier for your helper to support you confidently. Some practical steps:
- Write down a simple daily schedule for feeds, naps and baths (flexible, not rigid).
- Demonstrate how you want bottles prepared, stored and sterilised.
- Show the safe way you want baby to sleep (e.g. on back, no loose pillows or blankets).
- Explain what to do and who to call in an emergency.
- Encourage your helper to inform you early if she notices anything unusual with baby’s feeding, crying or temperature.
