Finding reliable childcare is one of the first priorities for expatriate families settling in Southeast Asia. Whether you are relocating to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, or Indonesia, understanding both long-term nanny employment and short-term babysitting options will help ensure a smooth family transition. This guide outlines the essentials for expats seeking trustworthy childcare services.
1. Hiring Nannies and Babysitters in Singapore
Singapore offers one of the safest and most regulated environments for employing nannies, babysitters, and domestic helpers. As long as you engage workers through agencies based in Singapore, you are dealing with licensed maid agencies accredited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). MOM regulations ensure proper work permits, clear job scopes, adequate accommodation, and weekly rest days. While hiring through licensed agencies may cost more than direct referrals, it provides peace of mind through compliance checks and verified backgrounds — making it the safest option for expatriate families.
For part-time or ad-hoc babysitting, many nanny agencies also offer hourly services for short-term or evening care. Trusted names such as NannySOS and Aunty SG provide vetted Singaporean babysitters who can be booked by the hour.
2. Hiring Nannies and Babysitters in Malaysia
In Malaysia, domestic worker and nanny placements are regulated by the Department of Labour (Jabatan Tenaga Kerja) under the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR). Most full-time nannies are hired through licensed maid agencies that also place domestic helpers from countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. These agencies handle work permits, medical checks, and employment contracts.
For part-time babysitting or ad-hoc childcare, the arrangements differ slightly. Many full-time placement agencies focus exclusively on live-in or long-term hires, while babysitting services are typically provided by specialised local platforms such as Kiddocare. These services connect parents with vetted Malaysian babysitters who are available by the hour or per session. Always confirm that the sitter has undergone background checks and that the service provider is properly registered in Malaysia.
3. Hiring Nannies and Babysitters in Thailand
Thailand’s domestic employment market is diverse, catering to both local and expatriate families. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, many households hire full-time or live-in nannies through reputable agencies such as Ayasan Service. Foreign domestic workers — often from Myanmar, Laos, or Cambodia — must hold valid work permits under Thai labour laws. Verify their profiles (experience, skills, etc.) and ensure that any foreign babysitter holds the correct visa status.
Part-time babysitting services are also well-established in urban centres. Some nanny agencies, such as Kiidu, provide both live-in and hourly care options. Alternatively, parents can use community-based networks and expat-focused apps that list local Thai babysitters trained in early childhood care and fluent in English.
4. Hiring Nannies and Babysitters in the Philippines
The Philippines is known for producing professional and caring nannies with strong English proficiency. Domestic helpers, locally called yaya, are protected under the Domestic Workers Act (Batas Kasambahay), which mandates fair wages, rest days, and social benefits. Expats in Manila, Cebu, and Davao often find trusted nannies through licensed local agencies such as Nanny Provider PH or referrals.
Part-time babysitting is less common among traditional maid agencies but is readily available through independent services and digital platforms such as Babysits and GreatAuPair. These offer on-call babysitters for hourly or day-based care. Parents should confirm background screening, first-aid knowledge, and clear terms of service before booking.
5. Hiring Nannies and Babysitters in Indonesia
Indonesia offers an abundant supply of domestic helpers and nannies, known locally as pengasuh anak. Online platforms like Pembantu.com connect families with verified domestic worker providers offering childcare, housekeeping, and elderly care services. Expats in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya can hire through this platform that lists only local agencies licensed by the Ministry of Manpower. The nanny listings make it easy to compare rates and availability from trusted providers.
Babysitting or ad-hoc childcare is also common in Indonesia, especially among urban families and expatriates. Agencies that supply full-time nannies often provide hourly babysitting packages for temporary help, such as during travel, evenings, or events.
One confusion to watch is the use of "babysitter" term, which locally refers to nannies and babysitters combined. "Nanny" is also understood, but it is not commonly used by Indonesians. In other words, when they say "babysitters" they actually mean child caregivers no matter whether they are on permanent or short-term assignments.
6. Regional Tips for Expatriate Families
- Legal Documentation: Always verify your nanny’s or babysitter’s visa or work permit status.
- Health & Training: Request basic health checks and CPR or first-aid certification.
- Booking Clarity: Confirm minimum booking durations and cancellation terms for ad-hoc babysitting.
- Cultural Understanding: Communicate family routines, dietary rules, and disciplinary boundaries early.
- Written Agreements: Use contracts that clearly define salary, duties, and rest days for long-term hires.
Families seeking reliable and legally compliant childcare — whether hiring a full-time nanny or arranging occasional babysitting — should also consult their local embassy or consulate. Embassy staff can often provide valuable insights into local regulations, recommended agencies, and community resources, helping ensure that childcare arrangements are both safe and compliant with host-country laws.
That said, completing the checklist doesn’t always guarantee the best match. To ensure quality, take time to review candidates’ backgrounds, childcare experience, communication skills, and language proficiency. Most nannies come from within or neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, or Myanmar, and their skills and experience can vary. Focus on profiles with proven childcare experience rather than those primarily trained in general household work.