Kita Search

What Nobody Tells You about the First Kita Year 03 May 2022

Are you prepared for what's coming at you in the first year or two of Kita? I wasn't so here's my advice for fellow parents!

Getting Ready for Kita in Berlin– Paperwork 02 May 2022

You're almost there but of course (this is Germany, after all!) there's a couple of bureaucratic hurdles to clear before your child can start Kita.

Getting Ready for Kita – The Infamous Eingewöhnung 02 May 2022

What is the Kita Eingewöhnung and how can you prepare for it?

How to Follow Up With Your Favorite Kitas 19 April 2022

Finding a Kita in Berlin is a marathon, not a sprint. Learn how and when to do your follow-ups. Includes sample wording.

How to Make Sure Your Child Adapts Well at a German Kita 06 July 2023

As an international family in Germany, you may be wondering how your child(ren) will fare in the local daycare system. Kietzee expert Lauren Piper answers some of the most common questions you may have.

Private Kitas in Berlin – Are they An Option? 19 April 2022

Learn what "private" really means and which Kitas offer what you're looking for.

Getting Ready for Kita – What to Buy 02 May 2022

What are all the things that your child will need when starting Kita? Learn about the basics.

Kietzee Checklist for Your Kita Search in Berlin 08 March 2022

Here's a checklist to make the Kita search process easier.

How and Where to Learn about Open Kita Spots in Berlin 21 April 2022

Check this article for resources that feature open Kita spots.

What to Include in Your Kita Application 10 February 2022

Create a personal connection when you are applying. Includes a sample application letter.

Alternative Childcare Options While Waiting for a Kita Spot 12 April 2022

Are you looking for childcare options while waiting for a Kita spot? We’ve got you covered.

What Type of Kita is Right for You? 28 January 2022

Spoiler alert: There's no magic formula but these tips will help you build your Kita list.

Why Leave a Kita Review 08 March 2022

Other Berlin parents need your help! Contribute by adding tips and reviews for your Kita.

Kita versus Tagesmutter – what’s better? 11 April 2022

Kita, Tagesmutter, or apply to both? Learn about this alternative to Kitas.

How and When to Apply for the Kita-Gutschein 31 March 2022

Learn when you should apply for the Kita-Gutschein and what to pay attention to in regards to the number of hours provided.

Should I Use the Kita Navigator? 14 March 2022

Learn the differences between the Kita Navigator and Kita Search on Kietzee.

juggleHUB: Co-Working with Childcare in Prenzlauer Berg 03 May 2022

Hear from Katja, one of the founders of juggleHUB, a co-working space in Prenzlauer Berg that also offers childcare.

How Berlin Kitas fill their Spots 08 March 2022

How Kitas operate and allocate their spots.

How to find a Kita spot in Berlin for a 3-year old - from abroad! 12 February 2020

Find a Kita spot for a 3-year-old – tips & tricks from Kietzee mom Alina.

Work'n'Kid: Co-Working with Childcare 13 July 2020

How to use Work'n'Kid in Friedrichshain, which offers co-working with flexible childcare.

How Much Does Daycare (Kita) Cost in Berlin? 31 March 2022

Find out how much it costs to send your child to daycare in Berlin – spoiler alert: not much!

Expertentipps: So klappt die Kita-Eingewöhnung 06 February 2020

So meistern Familien die Eingewöhnungsphase in der Kita.

What is an Elterninitiative? Pros and Cons 08 March 2020

Learn about the concept, advantages and requirements of an Elterninitiative Kita.

No Kita? How to get money back for your private childcare 22 February 2022

How you can get your private childcare costs reimbursed. (Update: Unfortunately, this program is not currently offered.)

I Got Offered Multiple Kita Spots – Now What? 20 April 2022

Read about a real life example from a family trying to decide between two different Kitas.

How to Find a Kita in Berlin 22 March 2022

A step-by-step guide to make your Berlin Kita search easier.

Kita Search Glossary 11 April 2022

Learn what all the different words and terms mean when it comes to Kita search in Berlin.

What Are Berlin Kitas Like? 19 April 2022

Learn what Berlin Kitas focus on to help kids grow and prepare them for school.

Interview: JuliaCares Family Services 08 March 2022

Julia Zehavi of JuliaCares helps families with Kita search.

How Many Kitas Should I Apply to? 16 March 2022

The answer is – it depends! Learn about the three factors to keep in mind.

How to Get a Kita Spot for a Winter Start 28 March 2022

Insights on why it is so hard to get a spot in the winter. Plus, some tips on how to succeed anyways.

What Questions Should I Ask When Visiting a Kita? 15 March 2022

Congrats, you were invited to visit a Kita! Here's what questions to ask and what to pay attention to.

One Mom, Seven Kitas – Learn Her Tips 08 March 2022

Learn from Mel who managed to get several Kita offers.

The Ultimate Kietzee Kita-Gutschein Cheat Sheet 07 April 2022

A step-by-step English translation guide on how to apply for your Kita-Gutschein.

Before Your Baby is Born

Elterngeld 101 – What It Is and How to Get It 28 November 2022

In this article we will talk about 💸 Elterngeld – literally parent money – including what it is, how it works and how to get it.

How to Choose Maternity Wear that Works for Pregnancy, Postpartum and the Playground 25 September 2023

As your pregnancy progresses, you will find that all of a sudden, your everyday clothes just don’t fit anymore. Here are some tips on how to choose maternity wear that lasts.

Berlin Birth Preparation Classes in English 13 September 2022

Learn about what is covered in a birth preparation class, when to take it and where to find a "Geburtsvorbereitungskurs" in English in Berlin or online.

Berlin Prenatal Yoga Classes in English 05 September 2022

Read on for an up-to-date list of prenatal/ pregnancy yoga classes in Berlin offered in English. Features both in-person and online classes.

How to Cloth Diaper: Different Systems, Rental Services & More 16 September 2023

If you’re thinking about trying cloth diapers with your baby, you might be wondering how cloth diapers work, what system to buy, how rentals services can help, etc. Find all the answers to your questions in this article!

Tips for Multilingual Families: Q&A with Kietzee Expert 15 December 2022

Are you interested in raising your child with multiple languages? Learn about the different strategies and how to implement them in your day-to-day family life from Kietzee expert Huguette.

Changing Your OBGYN During Pregnancy in Germany: What You Need to Know 17 May 2023

If you're thinking about changing your OBGYN during pregnancy in Germany, there's a few things you need to know about the timing and different options to move forward. Learn more.

Cloth Diapers: Pros and Cons 13 September 2023

Are you thinking about using cloth diapers for your baby? Here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of reusable diapers.

The Pregnancy Diabetes Test in Germany 02 March 2023

What is pregnancy diabetes? And how does the test work, which you will be offered around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy?

Medical Appointments During Pregnancy in Germany 02 March 2023

Learn about the schedule of appointments with your OBGYN and/or midwife during pregnancy. How often are they? What tests are run?

Your First Pregnancy Appointment in Germany 11 May 2023

What should you expect at your first pregnancy appointment? What tests will be done? What documents should you bring? Find out in our article.

How To Alleviate Aches and Pains During Pregnancy 14 July 2023

Are you experiencing aches and pains during your pregnancy? Learn why they occur and what you can do to release the tension.

What is Mutterschaftsgeld and How Can I Get It? 13 December 2022

Mutterschaftsgeld is one of the benefits available to (expecting) parents in Germany. But what is it exactly and how do you apply for it?

Elternzeit 101 – What It Is and How to Apply For It 28 November 2022

Learn everything you need to know about Elternzeit. What is it? How and when should you apply for it? What about monetary benefits?

When to Tell Your Employer About Your Pregnancy 28 July 2023

When you find out that you are pregnant, you may be wondering how and when to inform your employer.  Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Mutterschutz (Maternity Protection) in Germany? 28 July 2023

What protection is offered for pregnant people in Germany? What does Mutterschutz mean? What is the Schutzfrist? Here’s everything you need to know.

3 Things To Do Once You Find Out You’re Pregnant 03 November 2022

Here's what you want to tackle right away when you know you're having a baby – or better still: when you're planning a pregnancy in Berlin.

An Overview of Pregnancy & Parental Benefits in Germany 10 January 2023

Did you know how many government programs (soon-to-be) parents can benefit from in Germany? There's a lot and therefore I can be hard to keep track. Here's an overview so you don't get lost.

Which Hospital to Choose for Birth in Berlin? 19 September 2022

Here's an overview of all Berlin hospitals, including dates for information sessions, pre-registration information and specialties.

List of Birthing Centers in Berlin 27 February 2023

If you're considering giving birth in a birthing center (Geburtshäuser) in Berlin, see our up-to-date list of centers near you.

How to Choose Where to Give Birth in Berlin? 01 September 2022

Learn about the three options for giving birth in Berlin – hospital, home birth or birthing center. Includes pros and cons for each option.

What Does a Midwife Do – And How Can I Find One? 31 August 2022

Find out about the different types of work midwives do and how you can find a midwife for your pre-natal, birth and post-natal journey in Berlin.

Midwife, OBGYN, Doula – How Does Prenatal and Postnatal Care Work in Germany? 07 July 2023

The way that prenatal and postnatal care is offered can vary greatly from country to country. As you're entering this exciting journey, learn about the difference between OBGYNs, midwives and doulas.

Health Insurance for Baby and Parents on Leave in Germany 29 March 2023

Are you wondering what will happen to your health insurance when you’re having a baby and are taking some time off? Also, how and when should you add your baby to your insurance? Find out in this article with expert Elodie Roux.

The Postpartum Period - Products, Tips & Tricks 28 April 2023

What do you need for the postpartum period? Our expert Karo Gaßmann recommends and explains her ten favorite products.

Postpartum Secrets: Tips from Experienced Parents 03 April 2023

Expecting parents often ask experienced parents: "What is it that you wish you knew before your baby was born?" Here's what we found out.

How to Find a Pediatrician in Berlin? 01 February 2023

Once your baby arrives, you’ll need a pediatrician near you that you can trust and go to for both scheduled checkups as well as adhoc appointments when your child is sick. Here are tips on how and where to find one.

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany 16 May 2023

Let's dive into the details of your first ultrasound exam, which usually takes place between the 9th and 12th week of your pregnancy. Find out what to expect and what you will learn.

Baby Must Haves: What You Really Need to Buy for Your Newborn 26 June 2023

Don't waste money on baby stuff you don't need. We worked with doula Keatyn Jayne to craft the ultimate list of everything you really need to buy for your newborn.

What You DON’T Need to Buy for Your Newborn 26 June 2023

No need to spend any more money than you already have to. We worked with doula Keatyn Jayne to craft the ultimate list of everything you DON'T need to buy for your newborn.

A Pediatrician's Top Tip for Expecting Parents 14 February 2023

Berlin pediatrician Dr. Claude Grenzbach shares her number one tip for expecting parents. Spoiler alert: it's not what you would expect!

Elterngeld Plus & Partnerschaftsbonus – What You Need To Know 28 November 2022

In addition to Basis Elterngeld, there are two other types of parental allowance in Germany. Here's what you need to know and when this might make sense for you.

How to Choose The Right Stroller for Your Berlin Baby Adventure 10 November 2022

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information, brands and models? Here's a guide on how to choose the right stroller for Berlin city dwellers.

On the Day: What To Do When Labor Starts 25 October 2022

The day is finally here and labor has started – now what? An experienced doula walks us through the next steps.

How to Choose a Hospital to Give Birth at? 25 October 2022

What criteria should you keep in mind when choosing your Berlin hospital to give birth at? Also, how can you learn more and why should you pre-register at your chosen hospital?

Advocating for Yourself at Birth 03 April 2023

Work towards a positive birth experience by learning how to advocate for yourself as well as for the birthing partner during labor. Expert tips by doula Marta Palombo.

Baby Carriers 101 11 January 2023

There is so much information out there about baby carrying as well as brands and models, so we are very happy that Dörte Hacker shares her know-how about baby wearing and slings with us in this article. 

What to Expect at the Feindiagnostik Ultrasound in Germany 16 May 2023

In certain cases, your OBGYN will recommend a special, detailed ultrasound, called the "Feindiagnostik." Find out when and why this may be recommended and what you can learn from the test.

What to Expect at Your Third Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany 16 May 2023

Find our what your OBGYN will check at the third (and last) scheduled ultrasound during your pregnancy.

How to Apply for Elterngeld – Your Checklist 28 November 2022

Ready to apply for Elterngeld? Here is your list of documents to submit with your application.

What to Expect at Your Second Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany 16 May 2023

In week 17-20, it's time for the second ultrasound exam during your pregnancy. This is when things get really exciting because you'll be able to see your baby in more detail! Find out what else to expect.

What is the “Wochenbett”? Preparing for the Postpartum Period 01 March 2023

As you are getting ready for the time immediately after your baby is born, you may have come across the German word “Wochenbett.” Find out what this means and how to prepare for this postpartum period with the whole family.

How to Stay Lovers When You Become Parents 02 May 2023

Becoming a parent is a major life event. But what happens to couples and lovers when they become parents? Find out from Kietzee expert Sammy Strasser.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag For Delivery 03 March 2023

Learn what you should pack in your bag to bring to the hospital for giving birth in Berlin. Covers items for the delivery room, the maternity ward, important documents and clothes for the baby.

Giving Birth at Home or at a Birthing Center in Berlin 01 September 2022

Here's everything you need to know if you're considering to give birth at a birthing center or doing a home birth in Berlin.

Introducing La Leche League 14 March 2023

Learn about La Leche League, an organization that provides information and support to those who want to breastfeed their babies.

How To Get Your Baby's Birth Certificate? 16 February 2023

Your baby's birth certificate a super important document that you will need to apply for many of the benefits available to families in Germany. So how and where can you get it? And what documents will you need to provide with your application? Find out in this article.

What is a Mutterpass? 01 March 2023

At your first appointment with your OBGYN or midwife, you will receive a little booklet called a “Mutterpass” in German. But what is this booklet and what do you do with it?

How does the German healthcare system work for families? 16 February 2023

As an international couple expecting a baby or a family moving to Germant from abroad, it’s even more important to understand the German healthcare system. So here are the basics you should know.

Introducing call a midwife 25 November 2022

Are you struggling to find a midwife that can support you during pregnancy and the postpartum period? We chat with Sabine, the founder of call a midwife, about how they can help.

What Does a Doula Do And How Do They Support Families? 30 November 2022

Are you curious about how doulas support families during pregnancy and the postpartum period? And how does this differ from the work of midwives? Read on to find out.

After Your Baby is Born

Activities for English Speaking Families in Berlin 30 March 2022

Peruse our list of activities for English speaking families with kids of all ages – from babies to teens.

Berlin Postnatal Yoga & Exercise Classes in English 06 September 2022

Learn about the different types of postnatal exercise classes and 'Rückbildungskurse." Plus a list of Berlin courses offered in English.

Postpartum Depression: How to Know if it's More than Baby Blues? 25 July 2023

Welcoming a child into the world is a wonderful but also life changing experience. It’s natural to feel many different kinds of emotions but how can new parents tell if it’s more than baby blues? Learn more.

Introducing Solids to Your Baby: How and When? 19 September 2023

Learn about how and when to introduce solids to your baby – what signs to look for, what foods to try and which ones to avoid.

40+ Berlin Playgrounds with Baby Swings You Have to Visit 11 July 2023

This list provides information on over 30 playgrounds in Berlin that are equipped with a baby swing, ensuring you can easily find suitable locations for your infant's playtime.

Does My Baby Need Water? 05 July 2023

Especially in the summer, when it's hot, you may be wondering if your baby needs to be fed water. The short answer is: no. Learn why.

How to Get Support After Giving Birth (Paid By Your Health Insurance) 04 July 2023

Did you know that you could get at-home support (called "Haushaltshilfe") after your baby is born and that this can be paid for by your health insurance? Postpartum doula Julie Meresse will tell us everything we need to know about this topic, tailored specifically to families living in Berlin.

Postpartum Support for New Families in Berlin 29 March 2023

Life as new parents can be exhausting and we're not meant to do it alone! Here's a list of support for new families in Berlin – for practical things as well as mental, emotional or physical support.

Guidelines for Visitors: Tips for New Parents 03 July 2023

How to keep visiting friends and family in line is probably one of the hardest and most talked about things among new parents (besides sleep!). Nathalie Leng - van Doorne shares with us her top tips and guidelines for visiting with a new family.

Introducing Black Dads Germany 04 July 2023

Introducing Black Dads Germany! Peter Kamya, co-founder of Black Dads Germany, discusses the organization's mission to connect, empower, and celebrate dads of color in Germany.

Kindercafés in Berlin 22 March 2023

Learn what Kindercafés are and where you can find one near you in our up-to-date list. Plus cafés that have a play room or area.

How to Find a Babysitter or Nanny in Berlin 29 March 2023

Looking for a nanny or babysitter in Berlin? Here's where to look and how much you should expect to pay.

10 Common Myths About Breastfeeding 22 June 2023

Learn to separate fact from fiction. Katerina Koukaki, a doula and La Leche League International volunteer leader, debunks ten common breastfeeding myths.

The Joy of Simple Parenting: 5 Tips to Lighten the Load 31 March 2023

As a parent, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by social pressure. As it turns out, what looks easy on Instagram, is actually really hard! Here are five tips from our expert Evelyne on how to simplify your family life.

What to Expect from a Montessori Learning Center 28 March 2023

Expert Katelynn Johnson will tell us what a Montessori center looks like in terms of the classroom setup, how the children learn and how the teachers foster an environment of learning and discovery.

What is Montessori? 28 March 2023

Perhaps you have come across the term Montessori – but what does that actually mean and where does the concept come from? Our expert Katelynn Chittenden tells us all about it.

How Giulia from Extra Arms Nanny Agency Can Help Berlin Parents 12 February 2020

Giulia from Extra Arms explains her agency's offerings, which includes long-term nanny contracts, nanny shares and temporary babysitting arrangements.

How to Help Your Baby Sleep 17 March 2023

Sleep is probably the number one topic new parents talk about! Learn how to set yourself up for success from day one in this article with infant sleep expert Keatyn Jayne.

Hair Loss after Pregnancy – Now What? 20 February 2023

Did you know that hair often falls out after having a baby? Spoiler alert: yes, it’s normal, and it’s also normal if you find yourself worried about it.

Tips for big and small emergencies with babies and kids 09 February 2023

Life with kids is never boring! Learn practical tips to prepare for big and small emergencies, provided by Dr. Claude Grenzbach.

What is Kindergeld and How Can I Get It? 19 December 2022

Families in Germany are entitled to Kindergeld. We spoke with Karla and Tarik from Move-In about the application process and how their tool can help international families.

What is the Difference Between a Babysitter & A Nanny? 25 November 2022

Do you know what the difference is between a nanny and a babysitter? I didn't! But Giulia from Extra Arms tells us all there is to know.