China has announced new national standards for maternity matrons and nannies, aiming to enhance the quality of childcare services and support families amid changing demographics.
The revised guidelines, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, will regulate domestic maternal and baby nursing services, as well as home-based care for children up to 3 years old, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Maternity matrons, or “yuesao” in Chinese, provide postpartum care to mothers and newborns during the first month after childbirth. Nannies who care for young children are known as “yu’ersao.” Both are increasingly sought after by parents seeking a better quality of life.
The new standards introduce detailed requirements for training, service procedures, and quality assurance. “These guidelines meet consumers’ growing demand for professional and personalized services, while providing a basis for effective oversight,” said Zhang Boyu, an expert involved in drafting the standards.
In addition to covering basic care, the nanny service standards now include recommendations for addressing children’s emotional and psychological needs, along with guidelines for early education.
This initiative is part of China’s broader efforts to enhance childbirth support and address the challenges of an aging population. In October, the State Council outlined measures to expand childcare systems, strengthen support in education, housing, and employment, and foster a birth-friendly social atmosphere.
Over the past decade, China has relaxed its family planning policies, including phasing out the one-child policy and supporting couples who wish to have a third child. Local governments have introduced stimulus measures such as subsidies, extended maternity leave, and more public childcare facilities.
Reference(s):
China boosts maternity matron, nanny standards to support childbirth
cgtn.com
