Kita Search
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!
Create a personal connection when you are applying. Includes a sample application letter.
Are you looking for childcare options while waiting for a Kita spot? We’ve got you covered.
Spoiler alert: There's no magic formula but these tips will help you build your Kita list.
Other Berlin parents need your help! Contribute by adding tips and reviews for your Kita.
Kita, Tagesmutter, or apply to both? Learn about this alternative to Kitas.
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.
Learn what "private" really means and which Kitas offer what you're looking for.
Learn when you should apply for the Kita-Gutschein and what to pay attention to in regards to the number of hours provided.
Learn the differences between the Kita Navigator and Kita Search on Kietzee.
Hear from Katja, one of the founders of juggleHUB, a co-working space in Prenzlauer Berg that also offers childcare.
What are all the things that your child will need when starting Kita? Learn about the basics.
How Kitas operate and allocate their spots.
Find a Kita spot for a 3-year-old – tips & tricks from Kietzee mom Alina.
How to use Work'n'Kid in Friedrichshain, which offers co-working with flexible childcare.
Find out how much it costs to send your child to daycare in Berlin – spoiler alert: not much!
So meistern Familien die Eingewöhnungsphase in der Kita.
Learn about the concept, advantages and requirements of an Elterninitiative Kita.
How you can get your private childcare costs reimbursed. (Update: Unfortunately, this program is not currently offered.)
Read about a real life example from a family trying to decide between two different Kitas.
A step-by-step guide to make your Berlin Kita search easier.
Finding a Kita in Berlin is a marathon, not a sprint. Learn how and when to do you follow-ups.
Learn what all the different words and terms mean when it comes to Kita search in Berlin.
Learn what Berlin Kitas focus on to help kids grow and prepare them for school.
Julia Zehavi of JuliaCares helps families with Kita search.
The answer is – it depends! Learn about the three factors to keep in mind.
Insights on why it is so hard to get a spot in the winter. Plus, some tips on how to succeed anyways.
Here's a checklist to make the Kita search process easier.
Congrats, you were invited to visit a Kita! Here's what questions to ask and what to pay attention to.
Learn from Mel who managed to get several Kita offers.
A step-by-step English translation guide on how to apply for your Kita-Gutschein.
Check this article for resources that feature open Kita spots.
What is the Kita Eingewöhnung and how can you prepare for it?
After Your Baby is Born
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.
Learn about the different types of postnatal exercise classes. Plus a list of Berlin courses offered in English.
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.
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.
Peruse our list of activities for English speaking families with kids of all ages – from babies to teens.
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.
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.
Looking for a nanny or babysitter in Berlin? Here's where to look and how much you should expect to pay.
Giulia from Extra Arms explains her agency's offerings, which includes long-term nanny contracts, nanny shares and temporary babysitting arrangements.
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.
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.
Life with kids is never boring! Learn practical tips to prepare for big and small emergencies, provided by Dr. Claude Grenzbach.
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.
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.
Before Your Baby is Born
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.
Learn about the schedule of appointments with your OBGYN and/or midwife during pregnancy. How often are they? What tests are run?
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.
Find our what your OBGYN will check at the third (and last) scheduled ultrasound during your pregnancy.
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.
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.
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 our what to expect and what you will learn.
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.
What do I need for the postpartum period? Our expert Karo Gaßmann recommends and explains her ten favorite products.
What should you expect at your first pregnancy appointment? What tests will be done? What documents should you bring? Find out in our article.
Learn about what is covered in a birth preparation class, when to take it and where to find one held in English in Berlin or online.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this article we will talk about 💸 Elterngeld – literally parent money – including what it is, how it works and how to get it.
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.
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.
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.
What is pregnancy diabetes? And how does the test work, which you will be offered around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy?
Ready to apply for Elterngeld? Here is your list of documents to submit with your application.
You may be 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.
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.
Learn about La Leche League, an organization that provides information and support to those who want to breastfeed their babies.
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.
Berlin pediatrician Dr. Claude Grenzbach shares her number one tip for expecting parents. Spoiler alert: it's not what you would expect!
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?
If you're considering giving birth in a birthing center in Berlin, see our up-to-date list of centers near you.
Mutterschaftsgeld is one of the benefits available to (expecting) parents in Germany. But what is it exactly and how do you apply for it?
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.
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.
Here's an overview of all Berlin hospitals, including dates for information sessions, pre-registration information and specialties.
Learn everything you need to know about Elternzeit. What is it? How and when should you apply for it? What about monetary benefits?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
The day is finally here and labor has started – now what? An experienced doula walks us through the next steps.
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.
Learn about the three options for giving birth in Berlin – hospital, home birth or birthing center. Includes pros and cons for each option.
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.