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!

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.

Getting Ready for Kita – 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 you follow-ups.

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.

Kietzee Checklist for Your Kita Search in Berlin 08 March 2022

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

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.

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

Check this article for resources that feature open Kita spots.

Getting Ready for Kita – The Infamous Eingewöhnung 02 May 2022

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

After Your Baby is Born

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.

Berlin Postnatal Yoga & Exercise Classes in English 06 September 2022

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Before Your Baby is Born

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 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 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 our what to expect and what you will learn.

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.

The postpartum period - products, tips & tricks 28 April 2023

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

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.

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 one held in English in Berlin or online.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Health insurance for baby and parents on leave in Germany 29 March 2023

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

List of Birthing Centers in Berlin 27 February 2023

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.