Confinement nanny Yoke Leong, 37, never fails to draw comments from parents about how young she is.

She breaks the mould for confinement nannies, who tend to be in their late 40s to 60s.

Confinement nanny recruitment agencies say it is rare to find those in their 30s joining the trade but are hopeful that more will take up the profession because of attractive salaries.

Ms Leong took up the job five years ago because she could earn more than in her previous job as a factory production operator.

She is paid about $2,000 a month as a confinement nanny whereas she used to draw $1,000 a month when she worked in a factory. And though the hours are more erratic now, she also enjoys the job more.

Ms Leong said some parents are unsure that she can do the job because of her age. "But I tell them that I have cared for many babies in the past five years and I'm a mother of four, and they are assured," she said in Mandarin.

Confinement nanny agent Josephine Tan, who recruited Ms Leong, said: "It is natural for parents to be surprised when they see a young nanny. But I have not had any complaints about young nannies because they are experienced and professional."

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