2025-10-23
保姆是指为家庭提供家务劳动及育儿、养老等生活服务的专职人员，其职责既包含基础的家政服务，也涉及对家庭成员的生活照料。这一职业既有深厚的历史渊源，也在现代社会中因服务需求细化而呈现出多样化的形态。
A nanny is a full-time professional who provides household chores, childcare, and elderly care services. Their responsibilities encompass both basic domestic services and the daily care of family members. This profession has deep historical roots, but has also diversified in modern society due to the increasing demand for its services.
“保姆”一词最早见于《新唐书》，特指宫廷中抚育皇室子弟的女性教养人员。古代社会中，此类角色多由具备文化素养或特定技能的女性担任。随着社会发展，该词逐渐泛指为家庭提供生活服务的劳动者。现代保姆的工作范围可涵盖烹饪、清洁、育儿、老人看护等（异形词如“保母”“媬姆”仍见于文献记载）。英文对应词“Nanny”多指专职照顾儿童的服务者，而广义的家政服务人员则称为“Housekeeper”。
I. Origin and Development of the Definition
The term "nanny" first appeared in the New Book of Tang, specifically referring to female caregivers who raised royal children in the palace. In ancient society, these roles were often held by women with cultural literacy or specialized skills. With the development of society, the term has gradually come to refer to anyone providing daily household services. Modern nannies' duties can encompass cooking, cleaning, childcare, and eldercare (variants such as "baomu" and "nanny" still appear in historical records). The English equivalent, "nanny," often refers to a dedicated childcare provider, while the broader term for domestic workers is "housekeeper."
现代家庭需求推动保姆服务呈现专业化分工：
II. Modern Service Type Segmentation
Modern family needs are driving a specialized division of labor in nanny services:
By Hours
Live-in nannies: Residents stay at their employer's home 24/7, suitable for families requiring 24-hour care for young children or disabled elderly individuals.
Day Shift nannies: Work a regular 8-12 hours daily, often assisting working families with tasks such as dinner preparation and childcare.
By Service Content
Life Support: Focuses on basic household chores, such as grocery shopping, organizing and storing items, and preparing meals.
Special Care: Requires skills in first aid and nutritional planning, serving special needs groups such as those recovering from surgery and premature infants.
月嫂专攻产妇产后护理（如催乳按摩、恶露观察）和新生儿照料，需持母婴护理师资格证，服务周期严格按26/42/52天计算。保姆则侧重日常照护，无强制资格认证要求。
钟点工按小时提供清洁、做饭等单一服务，单次工作时长通常不超过4小时。保姆作为长期雇佣人员，更深度参与家庭事务管理，雇主与其存在更强的信任依赖关系。
持有育婴师资格证的专业人员专注0-3岁婴幼儿智力开发，需掌握蒙台梭利教学法等早教技能，而保姆的育儿服务多限于基础看护。
III. Differences from Other Domestic Workers
Comparison with Postpartum Nanny
Postpartum Nanny specializes in postpartum care (such as lactation massage and lochia monitoring) and newborn care. They must hold a maternal and child care license, and their service period is strictly calculated on a 26/42/52-day basis. A nanny, on the other hand, focuses on daily care and has no mandatory certification requirements.
Comparison with Part-Time Worker
Part-time workers provide hourly services such as cleaning and cooking, typically lasting no more than four hours. As long-term employees, nannies are more deeply involved in household management, fostering a stronger trust-based relationship between employers and nannies.
Comparison with Babysitter
Certified babysitters focus on the intellectual development of children aged 0-3 and must master early childhood education techniques such as the Montessori method. Nannies, on the other hand, often provide basic childcare services.
幼儿家庭建议选择具备辅食制作、疾病观察能力的保姆；双职工家庭可侧重考察烹饪水平和时间管理能力。需特殊护理时应单独聘请医护人员。
要求提供健康体检报告（含幽门螺杆菌检测）、专业技能证书（如养老护理员证）。部分平台已推出“人脸识别备案+服务保险”组合方案，可降低雇佣风险。
建议通过正规中介签署劳动合同，明确休假制度、加班补偿等条款。根据《家庭服务业管理暂行办法》，雇主需为住家保姆提供符合安全标准的居住环境。
IV. Practical Tips for Hiring a Nanny
Clarify Need Priorities
Families with young children are advised to choose a nanny who is capable of preparing solid food and observing illnesses. For dual-income families, focus on cooking skills and time management. Special care needs should be assessed through separate medical personnel.
Qualification Review Key Points
A health examination report (including a Helicobacter pylori test) and professional skills certificates (such as a nursing home caregiver certificate) are required. Some platforms have launched a "facial recognition registration + service insurance" package to reduce employment risks.
Labor Relations Standards
It is recommended that employment contracts be signed through a formal agency, clarifying terms such as leave arrangements and overtime compensation. According to the "Interim Measures for the Administration of the Home Service Industry," employers are required to provide live-in nannies with a living environment that meets safety standards.
1、饮食管理
保姆的首要任务之一是负责家庭成员的饮食管理。这包括准备早、中、晚三餐，以及下午茶点和水果。在准备餐食时，保姆需要根据家庭成员的口味、营养需求和饮食习惯来制定合适的餐食计划。她需要购买新鲜的食材，确保食材的质量和安全性，然后进行烹饪和餐后卫生工作。保姆不仅要掌握基本的烹饪技巧，还需要了解食物搭配和烹饪卫生，以确保每一餐都既美味又健康。
在饮食管理方面，保姆还需要关注家庭成员的饮食习惯和特殊需求。比如，有的家庭成员可能有食物过敏史，保姆需要特别注意避免购买和烹饪这些食材。此外，保姆还需要根据季节变化调整饮食，为家庭成员提供应季的食材和菜品，保证饮食的多样性和营养性。
V. What are the responsibilities of a nanny?
1. Dietary Management
One of a nanny's primary responsibilities is managing the family's diet. This includes preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as afternoon snacks and fruit. When preparing meals, the nanny needs to develop a meal plan tailored to the family's tastes, nutritional needs, and dietary habits. She purchases fresh ingredients, ensures their quality and safety, and then handles the cooking and post-meal hygiene. A nanny not only needs to master basic cooking techniques but also understands food pairing and cooking hygiene to ensure every meal is both delicious and healthy.
In terms of dietary management, a nanny also needs to be aware of the family's dietary habits and special needs. For example, if a family member has a history of food allergies, the nanny needs to take special care to avoid purchasing and cooking these ingredients. Furthermore, the nanny needs to adjust the family's diet according to seasonal changes, providing seasonal ingredients and dishes to ensure a diverse and nutritious diet.
2、家庭清洁与整理
保持家庭整洁和卫生是保姆的重要职责之一。这包括日常的家务清洁，如打扫卧室、客厅、厨房和洗手间等区域，以及定期的深度清洁工作。保姆需要掌握各种清洁工具的使用方法和不同材质的清洁技巧，确保家具、地板、玻璃等物品表面光洁如新。
在整理家务方面，保姆需要将家中的物品归类整理，使家居环境更加有序。这包括整理衣物、床上用品、日常用品等，确保家庭成员能够方便地找到所需物品。此外，保姆还需要定期晾晒和清洗衣物，保持衣物的清洁和卫生。
2. Household Cleaning and Organization
Maintaining a clean and tidy home is a key responsibility of the nanny. This includes daily housekeeping, such as cleaning the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, as well as regular deep cleaning. The nanny needs to master the use of various cleaning tools and cleaning techniques for different materials, ensuring that surfaces like furniture, floors, and glass remain pristine and sparkling clean.
As for housekeeping, the nanny is responsible for organizing household items to create a more organized environment. This includes organizing clothing, bedding, and daily necessities, ensuring that family members can easily find what they need. Furthermore, the nanny is responsible for regularly airing and washing clothing to ensure they are clean and hygienic.
3、照顾家庭成员
照顾家庭成员是保姆工作中最为重要的一部分。这包括照顾老人、小孩以及需要特殊照顾的家庭成员。保姆需要提供日常的照顾和护理，如喂食、穿衣、洗澡等。她还需要提供情感支持，如陪伴老人聊天、散步、看电视等，以及陪伴小孩玩耍、学习等。
在照顾老人方面，保姆需要关注老人的身体健康和心理健康。她需要协助老人进行日常活动，如上厕所、洗漱等，并关注老人的饮食和睡眠情况。此外，保姆还需要与老人建立良好的沟通关系，了解他们的需求和意愿，为他们提供适当的照顾和陪伴。
在照顾小孩方面，保姆需要具备专业的育儿知识和技能。她需要了解婴幼儿的生长发育规律，能够根据孩子的需求提供适当的照顾和陪伴。这包括正确喂养、哄睡、洗澡和换尿布等基本技能，以及陪伴孩子玩耍、学习等更高级别的需求。
3. Caring for Family Members
Caring for family members is the most important part of a nanny's job. This includes caring for the elderly, children, and family members with special needs. A nanny is required to provide daily care and nursing care, such as feeding, dressing, and bathing. She also provides emotional support, such as chatting, walking, and watching TV with the elderly, and accompanying children in play and learning.
In caring for the elderly, a nanny must address both their physical and mental well-being. She assists with daily activities such as toileting and washing, and monitors their diet and sleep. Furthermore, a nanny must establish good communication with the elderly, understand their needs and preferences, and provide appropriate care and companionship.
In caring for children, a nanny requires professional childcare knowledge and skills. She must understand the growth and development patterns of infants and young children and be able to provide appropriate care and companionship tailored to the children's needs. This includes basic skills such as proper feeding, coaxing them to sleep, bathing them, and changing diapers, as well as more advanced needs such as accompanying children in play and learning.
4、其他日常工作
除了以上提到的饮食管理、家庭清洁与整理和照顾家庭成员外，保姆还需要完成一些其他日常工作。这包括购物、代办琐事等。保姆需要根据家庭成员的需求和购物清单，前往超市或市场购买所需的食材和生活用品。她还需要关注家庭财务，合理安排家庭开支，避免浪费。
此外，保姆还需要具备应对突发事件的能力。在紧急情况下，如家庭成员突发疾病或受伤时，保姆需要迅速采取正确的急救措施，为家庭成员的安全提供保障。她还需要了解消防安全知识，熟悉家庭中的消防设备和逃生路线，在发生火灾等紧急情况时能够迅速报警并引导家庭成员疏散。
4. Other Daily Responsibilities
In addition to the aforementioned tasks of managing meals, cleaning and tidying the home, and caring for family members, a nanny also needs to perform other daily duties. These include shopping and running errands. The nanny needs to go to the supermarket or market to purchase the necessary food and daily necessities based on the family members' needs and shopping lists. She also needs to monitor the family finances, manage expenses appropriately, and avoid waste.
Furthermore, a nanny needs to be able to respond to emergencies. In emergencies, such as sudden illness or injury, the nanny must quickly implement appropriate first aid measures to ensure the safety of the family members. She also needs to understand fire safety and be familiar with the firefighting equipment and escape routes in the home, so that she can quickly call the police and guide family members to evacuate in the event of a fire or other emergency.
