China sets standards for confinement nannies amid booming postnatal-care business
New rule divides helpers into six levels based on skills and experience
Confinement nannies will now have to meet a set of standards, as the government tries to regulate the mainland's booming postnatal-care business.
The nannies must be aged between 18 and 55, hold a junior high school diploma and must not have any criminal record, history of mental disorder, or suffer from any infectious disease, the Standardisation Administration said on Sunday.
Chinese traditions require new mothers to stay indoors for at least 30 days after giving birth and to observe a strict regimen focused on taking nutritious food and resting adequately.
Confinement nannies are often hired to care for the mothers and their newborns. Their tasks include preparing specially formulated meals for the mothers, and bathing, feeding and playing with the babies as the mothers recover from their labour.
According to the administration, the regulation that takes effect in February divides these nannies into six levels based on their skills and experience.
To attain the highest "gold medal" level, a confinement nanny has to satisfy all standard requirements and undergo various training sessions and assessments. She would have to hold a senior certificate for household service and infant care as well as an intermediate dietician certificate.