Nanny / Babysitter in Singapore — Complete Guide (2026)
By KakiList Editorial Team·Updated April 2026·Editorial standards
Updated May 2026 · 90 verified providers · Average rating 4.7★
In This Guide
Nannies and babysitters in Singapore handle ongoing childcare beyond the confinement period — typically for infants and young children while parents work, or ad-hoc evening and weekend coverage for older kids. Arrangements range from daily stay-in nannies (S$2,500-4,500/month) to day-only nannies (S$1,800-3,200/month) to part-time babysitters (S$15-28/hour). This guide covers what MOM rules apply to foreign nannies, what training signals to look for (ECDA, CPR/first aid), and how to structure arrangements to protect everyone. Nannies on KakiList are deployed via MOM-licensed agencies or directly registered, with verified reviews from recent families.
→ See also Nanny / Babysitter cost breakdown or best Nanny / Babysitter in Singapore.
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⚡ Get Free Nanny / Babysitter QuotesWhat to Look For When Hiring a Nanny / Babysitter in Singapore
For any foreign nanny (typically Filipino or Indonesian), the correct structure is through a MOM-licensed Employment Agency (EA Licence). Private direct-hire of foreign nannies without EA involvement is typically illegal and triggers the same penalty framework as illegal maid hiring — fines and 2-year hiring bans to the employer.
Look for ECDA-recognised training (Fundamentals in Early Childhood Education) or equivalent childcare training. For infant care specifically, prior hospital or childcare centre experience matters — a nanny who's looked after 20+ infants reads distress cues and developmental milestones faster than a beginner. Current CPR and paediatric first-aid certification should be mandatory, especially for infant care.
Ask for references from 2-3 recent families. A legitimate nanny will provide contact details and expects you to call. Reference calls reveal more than any interview: reliability, temperament, follow-through on routines, and how they handled difficult days.
Request a trial period (typically 1-2 weeks) before committing to a longer contract. Reputable agencies and nannies accept trial arrangements; refusal is a signal.
Typical Nanny / Babysitter Prices in Singapore
Contact providers directly for pricing.
Prices are estimates as of 2026 and may vary based on scope, urgency, and property type. Get exact quotes for free.
Nanny / Babysitter: HDB vs Condo vs Landed Considerations
HDB flats: typical setup is day-only nannies or part-time babysitters due to space constraints (stay-in requires a dedicated sleeping area which most 3-4 room HDBs don't have). Day-only nanny rates run S$1,800-2,800/month for 10-12 hours/day, 5 days/week. Part-time babysitter rates are S$15-22/hour with 3-hour minimums.
Condominiums: larger layouts often support stay-in arrangements in dedicated rooms. Stay-in nanny rates run S$2,800-4,000/month including accommodation but excluding food. Some MCSTs require registering the nanny at the guardhouse for regular access.
Landed properties: multi-helper households are common (existing maid plus dedicated nanny), especially for families with multiple young children or special needs. Stay-in nanny rates run S$3,200-4,500/month; specialised nannies for high-need children (twins, premature babies, developmental conditions) can reach S$4,500-6,000/month.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Foreign nanny offered without MOM EA involvement: Direct-hire is illegal. The employer pays the fine and loses hiring eligibility for 2 years.
No CPR or first-aid certification: For infant and toddler care, this is a baseline requirement — not a nice-to-have. Nannies without it are one emergency away from a preventable disaster.
Refuses trial period: Everyone's different. A nanny who won't do a trial either knows they won't match your family's style or is over-committed. Move on.
Vague about daily routine: A good nanny walks you through a proposed daily schedule (naps, feeds, outdoor time, learning activities) from the first interview. Vague answers mean they're winging it.
Over-promising on development: A nanny who claims they'll 'teach the baby to read at 2' is marketing. Legitimate caregivers focus on age-appropriate milestones — floor time, responsive feeding, secure attachment, basic motor skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Nanny / Babysitter providers are on KakiList?
We currently list 90 verified Nanny / Babysitter providers serving Singapore. New providers are added regularly after verification.
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What is the average rating of Nanny / Babysitter providers on KakiList?
The average Google rating across our Nanny / Babysitter providers is 4.7★ out of 5.0. We prioritize quality — providers with consistently poor reviews are removed.