After Your Baby is Born
Peruse our list of activities for English speaking families with kids of all ages – from babies to teens.
As a new or expecting parent, you may have lots of questions when planning your return to work after your parental leave (Elternzeit). Our employment law specialist answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
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? Learn more.
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.
When and how to wean your baby is very individual and we’re here to give you some guidance around deciding when and how to wind down your breast- or bottle feeding journey.
Expert Katelynn Johnson will tell us how a Montessori classroom is set up, how the children learn and how the teachers foster an environment of discovery.
As a parent, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by social pressure. Here are five tips from our expert Evelyne on how to simplify your family life.
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!). Here are some tips and guidelines.
Welcoming a child into the world is a wonderful but also life changing experience. How can new parents tell if it’s more than baby blues? Learn more.
Learn about the different types of postnatal exercise classes and 'Rückbildungskurse." Plus a list of Berlin courses offered in English.
Peruse our list of activities for Spanish speaking families in Berlin with kids of all ages – from babies to teens.
Have you just had a c-section or are planning to have one? Learn about what the recovery period may look like and how to help the healing process.
Did you know that new fathers can also be affected by postpartum depression? Learn about the importance and the different aspects of a new dad’s mental health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for a nanny or babysitter in Berlin? Here's where to look and how much you should expect to pay.
Learn to separate fact from fiction. Katerina Koukaki, a doula and La Leche League International volunteer leader, debunks ten common breastfeeding myths.
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.
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.
Kita Search
Have you been offered more than one Kita spot? Read this article on how to decide between different Kitas.
Insights on why it is so hard to get a spot in the winter. Plus, some tips on how to succeed anyways.
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 all the different words and terms mean when it comes to Kita search in Berlin.
Are you looking for childcare options while waiting for a Kita spot? We’ve got you covered.
Congrats, you were invited to visit a Kita! Here's what questions to ask and what to pay attention to.
As an international family in Germany, you may be wondering how your child(ren) will fare in the local daycare system. Here are the answers to the most common questions.
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!
What is the Kita Eingewöhnung and how can you prepare for it?
Finding a Kita in Berlin is a marathon, not a sprint. Learn how and when to do your follow-ups. Includes sample wording.
Learn what "private" really means and which Kitas offer what you're looking for.
What are all the things that your child will need when starting Kita? Learn about the basics.
Here's a checklist to make the Kita search process easier.
Check this article for resources that feature open Kita spots.
Create a personal connection when you are applying. Includes a sample application letter.
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.
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.
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.)
A step-by-step guide to make your Berlin Kita search easier.
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.
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.
Before Your Baby is Born
Are you expecting a baby but are not married? Find out about the German process for recognition of paternity (Vaterschafts-anerkennung) – the how, the when and the why.
Use this template for apply for parental leave (Elternzeit or Elternteilzeit) with your employer. Approved by our employment law experts.
If you're considering giving birth in a birthing center (Geburtshäuser) in Berlin, see our up-to-date list of centers near you.
Here's everything you need to know if you're considering to give birth at a birthing center (Geburtshaus) or doing a home birth (Hausgeburt) in Berlin.
Here's how to find your parent community and why it's so important to feel connected on the exciting journey of parenthood.
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.
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.
In this article we will talk about 💸 Elterngeld – literally parent money – including what it is, how it works and how to get it.
Learn everything you need to know about Elternzeit. What is it? How and when should you apply for it? What about monetary benefits?
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.
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.
In this guest post, Gitanjali More, mom of a little girl and the creator of The Confused Mother, reflects on her experience as an Indian mother in Germany.
As an international couple expecting a baby or a family moving to Germany from abroad, it’s super important to understand the German healthcare system. Learn how it works.
Your baby's birth certificate is a super important document that you will need to apply for many of the benefits available to families in Germany. Learn how and where to get it and what documents to prepare.
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. Here are tips on how and where to find one.
Learn what will happen to your health insurance when you’re having a baby as well as how and when to add your baby to your insurance.
The way that prenatal and postnatal care is offered can vary greatly from country to country. Learn how the prenatal and postnatal care system works in Germany.
Did you know how many government programs (soon-to-be) parents can benefit from in Germany? Here's an overview so you don't get lost.
If you want to try cloth diapers, here's what you need to know about how cloth diapers work, what system to buy, how rentals services can help, etc.
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.
If you are thinking about having additional prenatal tests, here is an overview of the available invasive and non-invasive prenatal tests in Germany.
You will find that there are lots of tests that will be offered to you leading up to your baby’s birth. Here is everything you need to know about each of the tests that are covered by public health insurance.
Here's an overview of all Berlin hospitals, including dates for information sessions, pre-registration information and specialties.
Are you considering to breastfeed your baby? Learn how you can prepare even before your child is born.
What should you expect at your first pregnancy appointment? What tests will be done? What documents should you bring? Find out in our article.
If you are thinking about or have been recommended to get additional prenatal testing done, here is some general information and guidance on how to make your decision.
About 3 out of 10 babies in Germany are born via c-section. But how can you prepare for a c-section as expecting parents, whether it is planned or unplanned?
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is pregnancy diabetes? And how does the test work, which you will be offered around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy?
Learn about the schedule of appointments with your OBGYN and/or midwife during pregnancy. How often are they? What tests are run?
Are you experiencing aches and pains during your pregnancy? Learn why they occur and what you can do to release the tension.
Mutterschaftsgeld is one of the benefits available to (expecting) parents in Germany. But what is it exactly and how do you apply for it?
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 protection is offered for pregnant people in Germany? What does Mutterschutz mean? What is the Schutzfrist? Here’s everything you need to know.
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 three options for giving birth in Berlin – hospital, home birth or birthing center. Includes pros and cons for each option.
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.
What do you need for the postpartum period? Our expert Karo Gaßmann recommends and explains her ten favorite products.
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.
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.
Berlin pediatrician Dr. Claude Grenzbach shares her number one tip for expecting parents. Spoiler alert: it's not what you would expect!
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.
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.
The day is finally here and labor has started – now what? An experienced doula walks us through the next steps.
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?
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.
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 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.
Find our what your OBGYN will check at the third (and last) scheduled ultrasound during your pregnancy.
Ready to apply for Elterngeld? Here is your list of documents to submit with your application.
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.
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.
Learn about La Leche League, an organization that provides information and support to those who want to breastfeed their babies.
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?
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.