Welcoming a newborn is a joyful yet demanding time for any family. During this delicate postnatal period, many mothers turn to a confinement nanny for trusted support with recovery and baby care. But what does a confinement nanny really do on a daily basis?
In this article, we take you through the real-life schedule of a typical confinement nanny—from nutritious meal preparation to newborn care—so you can understand how vital their help truly is during the early weeks of motherhood.
What is a Confinement Nanny?
A confinement nanny is a trained caregiver who supports a mother and her newborn during the first 28 to 40 days after birth, commonly known as the “confinement period”. This practice is rooted in traditional Asian cultures, where new mothers are encouraged to rest and heal while receiving assistance with meals, baby care, and household chores.
According to SmartParents, a confinement nanny not only cares for the newborn but also focuses on the mother’s physical and emotional recovery during this crucial time.
Morning Routine (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
The day begins early for most confinement nannies. At around 6:00 AM, they usually:
- Boil herbal teas or prepare warm drinks for the mother
- Start sterilising baby bottles and washing baby clothes
- Cook a nourishing breakfast, often using ingredients like oats, ginger or red dates
- Give the baby a gentle sponge bath or wipe-down (especially if the umbilical cord hasn’t healed)
- Assist the mother with feeding—either by breastfeeding support or bottle-feeding expressed milk or formula
Most nannies also track the baby’s feeding and sleeping habits either through a notebook or a simple mobile app.
Midday Duties (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
As the baby naps, the nanny shifts focus to:
- Light housework such as folding laundry or cleaning the mother’s room
- Preparing lunch, usually with ingredients that help the mother heal and increase milk supply (such as black chicken soup or sesame oil dishes)
- Feeding the baby or changing nappies if needed
- Encouraging the mother to rest, stretch, or do gentle postnatal exercises
HealthHub explains that traditional confinement meals are high in protein and iron, which are key to restoring strength and supporting milk production.
Afternoon to Evening Tasks (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
The nanny resumes full care as the baby wakes. During this period, her tasks may include:
- Calming or playing with the baby to promote sensory development
- Preparing dinner with warm, easy-to-digest foods for the mother
- Giving the baby another bath or cleaning up after a nappy change
- Supporting the mother emotionally if she’s feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Updating family members on the baby’s development, especially if they’re not at home during the day
Confinement nannies also adjust the schedule based on the baby’s needs, especially during growth spurts or periods of fussiness.
Night Routine (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
As the evening sets in, the nanny prepares for bedtime:
- Prepares a light snack or warm tonic drink for the mother (e.g. red date tea)
- Ensures the baby has a clean nappy and full feed before bedtime
- Sterilises bottles again and organises the baby’s items for the night
- Supports the mother in winding down and managing any night-time concerns
Some confinement nannies stay overnight and manage night feeds, while others take rest and remain on-call if the baby wakes.
Qualities of a Good Confinement Nanny
A great confinement nanny is more than just a helper. She is:
- Patient and nurturing
- Skilled in newborn care and understanding maternal needs
- Respectful of the family’s routines, space, and culture
- Trained in basic safety and emergency care (such as baby CPR)
- Able to communicate openly and adapt to changing circumstances
Challenges They May Face
While rewarding, the role comes with its challenges:
- Irregular sleeping hours
- Emotional demands from caring for both baby and mother
- Working in unfamiliar households with different routines or expectations
- Pressure to “get everything right” from day one
Despite these, many nannies remain committed due to the meaningful impact they have on each family they serve.
Real, Compassionate Support for New Mums
A confinement nanny’s day is long and filled with tasks, but her role goes far beyond cooking and cleaning. She becomes a pillar of support—offering comfort, structure, and care during a time when mothers need it most. Having a trusted confinement nanny during this critical period can ease stress, improve recovery, and help parents adjust smoothly to life with a newborn.
At NannyStreet: Your Trusted Confinement Nanny Companion
At NannyStreet, we take pride in matching families with caring, qualified confinement nannies who truly make a difference. Whether you need full-day care or someone who can guide you gently through motherhood, our nannies are here to help.
We understand that every family is unique—so we ensure that your nanny is a perfect fit for your needs and preferences. Let us support your postnatal journey with warmth, professionalism, and trusted care.
Learn more or book a confinement nanny with us!