Before your helper looks after a baby, cover three things. First, the MOM rule: if any child in your household under 7 is not fully vaccinated against measles, your helper must have measles immunity. Second, training: MOM notes that a new helper may have different childcare practices and needs time to learn your way of doing things. Third, safety: agree clear rules on tasks that need full attention, including bathing, feeding and giving medicine.
1. The MOM requirement: measles immunity
MOM says that if there are children in your household below 7 years old who are not fully vaccinated against measles, you must ensure your helper has immunity against measles. Settle this before she starts caring for the baby. Source: Pre-employment medical examination for MDWs.
MOM also asks employers to help helpers keep their vaccinations up to date and give enough rest after vaccinations. See Rest days, health and well-being.
2. Check experience at interview
- Ask what infant care she has actually done: newborns, night feeds, bathing, sterilising bottles, and how many children.
- Ask how she would handle a fever, choking or a fall, and what she would do first.
- Ask for references. MOM lets former employers volunteer as referees, and their contact details show in FDW eService during the application.
Our guide on infant care interview questions has a fuller list.
3. Train her your way
MOM points out that a new helper may find it hard to understand your language, use modern appliances, adjust to high-rise living, and may follow different childcare practices. Plan to show her each routine yourself in the first weeks: feeding, sleep, bathing, nappy changes, and cleaning bottles and pumps.
4. Safety rules to agree on day one
- No phone use while bathing, feeding or carrying the baby, or giving medicine. MOM's Ask Jaya column lists caring for children and giving medicine among tasks that need full concentration.
- Where medicines are kept, who decides doses, and how she records what was given.
- Emergency numbers on the fridge, and who she calls first.
- Window and laundry safety in a high-rise home, in line with the safety agreement you both signed.
5. Rest, especially with night feeds
She is entitled to one rest day a week, and at least one a month cannot be compensated away. If she covers night feeds, plan proper sleep in the day. MOM notes that a well-rested helper works more safely.
Related guides
- Infant and baby care helper: interview questions
- Rest days for domestic helpers
- Pre-employment medical check after arrival
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
