- Live-in confinement nanny: stays in your home and supports you day and night. Suits families without relatives nearby, or who want fresh confinement meals every day.
- Day nanny: visits during the day for meals, baby care and light housework. Suits families who can share the night shifts.
- Night nanny: looks after your baby overnight so you can sleep. Suits parents who cope in the day but struggle at night.
- The right choice depends on spare room, night-time help, meal needs and budget.
- A confinement nanny does not replace your NHS midwife or health visitor. The two work side by side.
A confinement nanny (陪月, sometimes called a maternity nurse) supports a new mother through the first weeks after birth, a tradition known as “zuo yuezi”. In the UK the choice usually comes down to three set-ups. Here is how they compare.
What is the difference between live-in, day and night nannies?
Short answer: it is about when the nanny is in your home and which part of the care they take on.
| Live-in | Day | Night | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours | Lives with you; rest times agreed | Fixed daytime hours | Overnight, usually until early morning |
| Main duties | Confinement meals, baby care, mum’s recovery, light housework | Meals, baby care, housework | Night feeds support, settling, winding, nappies |
| Space needed | A private bedroom | None | None |
Duties and hours vary by provider and by nanny, so agree them in writing first.
Which option suits my family?
Short answer: work out whether days or nights are hardest, and whether you have a spare room.
Live-in suits you if
- your parents can’t travel to the UK to help
- your partner returns to work soon
- you want freshly cooked confinement meals and full rest
- you have a spare bedroom
Day nanny suits you if
- your partner or family can cover nights
- you have no spare room
- you mainly need meals and daytime help
Night nanny suits you if
- you manage in the day but are short of sleep
- you are recovering from a caesarean and need extra rest
- your partner needs to keep a work routine
Many families mix them, for example live-in for two weeks, then days. See our tailored care plans.
What should I ask before hiring?
Short answer: check background checks, experience, duties and back-up cover.
- Do they hold a current enhanced DBS check and paediatric first aid? See our vetting and safety standards.
- How many newborns have they cared for? Can they give references?
- Which confinement meals can they cook, and can they handle dietary needs?
- What are the daily hours, rest breaks and days off?
- What happens if the nanny is ill?
- Will they support breast or formula feeding and follow NHS safe-sleep advice?
How does a confinement nanny fit with NHS care?
Short answer: the NHS covers health checks; the nanny covers day-to-day care and rest.
After birth, a community midwife usually visits for around the first 10 days, then a health visitor takes over. A nanny can keep a simple log of feeds, sleep and nappies to share at those visits. Any health worry, such as fever, jaundice, wound pain or low mood, should go straight to your midwife, health visitor, GP or NHS 111.
When should I book?
Short answer: early, as popular dates fill up. See when to book a confinement nanny, our postnatal care services and confinement nanny pages.
FAQ
Do I need a spare room for a live-in nanny?
Usually yes. A live-in nanny needs a private space to rest. Check the exact requirements with the provider.
Can a night nanny breastfeed for me?
No, but they can bring the baby to you, help with positioning, wind and change the baby so you can get back to sleep quickly. With expressed milk or formula, they can do the feed.
Can a day nanny cook confinement meals too?
Usually, if agreed in advance. See our confinement meals guide.
Do I still see the NHS midwife and health visitor?
Yes. A confinement nanny is not a medical professional and does not replace any NHS check or visit.
Can I switch arrangements part-way through?
Often, depending on the provider and the nanny’s availability. Ask before you sign.
Not sure which suits you? Book a free consultation and we’ll match you with a partner provider, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Or WhatsApp us to check availability: +44 7351 350144.