This issue marks a whole year of sending out the newsletter! 🎉
It started as a simple quest to combat communal overwhelm when answering the question “What can I do with my baby today?” — and became 25 issues to over 400 families with:
237 things to do for babies, toddlers, and their parents (an average of 9-10 per issue!)
10 exclusive articles from local experts answering your parenting questions
5 Community Spotlights, showcasing the diversity — and shared experiences — of our little village
Some “exceptional” (according to AI 😇) newsletter stats from our community:
75% of you read every issue (Standard is 25-45%)
20% of you click on an event or program (Standard is 5-10%)
Only 22 people unsubscribed this entire year (Standard is 41-61)
On the September feedback survey, every respondent rated us 5⭐ and told us to keep going. (Obviously biased 🤣 But would love your honest feedback!)
My favorite piece of feedback: “Social media bombards me with messages. This newsletter is so calming for me, with what I want to know and visit.” Mission accomplished ✅
Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or this is your first issue, thanks for being part of this highly engaged, cozy corner of the Amsterdam parenting world.
Help keep it going
This newsletter will always be free for the community. If you’ve found value from it this past year, please consider donating to help keep it running. Your donation helps offset the costs of:
2 hours (€20/hr) per issue to source events
2 hours (€20/hr) per issue to compile the newsletter
1.5 hours (€20/hr) per Dear Dr. Mom or Community Spotlight article
It’s all self-funded, and we just hired a fellow mom to help. Even just buying us a cup of coffee goes a long way ❤️
Tiny Grooves is back this December 🎶
🗓️ What’s happening around town
Looking for something fun to do with your little one? Here's a selection of upcoming activities and events for babies, toddlers, and their parents. Want more? See all events on our Community Calendar.
APP & Friends
Vote until 1 Dec — Online
Only a few weeks left to get your West Begroot votes in! If you live in Amsterdam West, please vote for APP’s project, Kring voor Ouderwelzijn, which will provide city funding to host overwhelm/burnout support meetups for parents monthly in 2026. Thanks to all who have voted thus far 🫶🏻
Sign up until 31 Dec — Online
Know someone who is expecting a baby in Nov-Dec 2025? Give them the gift of postpartum support ❤️ Our 3 month cohort starting Jan 2026 has expert-led discussions and curated socials in local baby-friendly hotspots to help folks transition into new parenthood with confidence. Discount codes available for the first 3 folks gifting this holiday season ✨
Fri 28 Nov @ 10:00-11:30 — De Pijp
Hosted by APP Community Spotlight mom Fernanda, this women's circle — where kids are welcome — will include simple breathwork, sharing in a safe space, and a writing exercise called "Letters From Love."
This new WhatsApp group is meant for dads in West who want to connect in person with fellow fathers: with or without their little loved ones. No agenda, no pressure — just a friendly way to chill and build local connections. By dads, for dads; join to help shape the community.
Sinterklaas
Sat 22 Nov @ 14:00-16:00 — Oud West
The Pieten will be dancing in the street handing out treats, while the 'Feesttantes' (Party Aunts) will be glitter face painting at the Coffee Roastery and JPH Store from 13:30-16:30.
Sat 22 Nov, Sun 23 Nov, & Sat 29 Nov @ 12:30-16:30 — Buitenveldert
On Saturday, the day will feature Sinterklaas, acrobatic Pieten, and a Pieten-Orchestra. On the other days, Sinterklaas and the Pieten will be strolling through the center with treats for the children.
Sat 29 Nov @ 10:00-15:00 — De Pijp
Enjoy a Sinterklaas-themed multilingual storytime in English, Dutch, Greek, Italian, and Turkish (other languages welcome!), a creative workshop, and a community lunch buffet. Free, but registration is required.
West
Fri 21 Nov-Sun 23 Nov @ 09:30, 11:30, 16:00 — Sloterdijk
The Black Cat Theater (closing soon 😭) is hosting a unique event with traveling artists from Poland, featuring tropical music with drums, harmonicas, and ukulele.
Sat 22 Nov @ 09:30-11:00 — Osdorp
Two of my favorite Nieuw-West parents are joining forces to create a dad-first space: where dads can show up with their little ones and make silly art together. Sign up now or for the event in December, as spots fill up fast!
Mon 24 Nov @ 09:30-11:00 (Weekly) — Bos en Lommer
Got a kid with endless energy? 🤚 This weekly climbing fun for toddlers (and their parents) is led by a professional circus artist. It’s free for families from Bos en Lommer.
Center
Wed 19 Nov & Fri 21 Nov @ 10:00-10:30 (Weekly) — Oosterdok
This weekly Dutch storytime for toddlers at the library is specifically designed for toddlers 2-4 years old, with books that are relatable, simple, and rich in visual stimulation. At the Centraal location and also all around the city.
Sun 23 Nov @ 13:30-15:30 — Oosterdok
Head to BIMHUIS for a family concert with live funk, disco, and Afrobeat music. Sitting still isn't an option; everyone is encouraged to jump, dance, and clap along!
South
Wed 19 Nov @ 15:00-16:00 — Schinkelbuurt
An interactive performance where Winston and his animal friends make their way to the pancake house, singing cheerful songs and dancing along with the audience.
Sun 14 Dec @ 13:00-16:00 — Olympic Quarter
Parenthood meets party time at Tiny Grooves: one of the most popular baby and toddler-friendly events around. It’s a time for adults to be adults on an actual (baby ear-friendly) dance floor, while also have their kids tagging along for the bubbles, music, and play. I’ve been to many Tiny Grooves and they’re loads of fun! (I’m sharing now because they sell out fast.)
Everywhere
Tue 18 Nov @ 19:00-20:00 — Online
This collaborative workshop brings together insights from psychology, coaching and personal experience to explore what it means to raise a “Third Culture Kid.” You’ll discuss strengths, challenges, and beauty of living between worlds, and what it means to create a sense of home within global families today. Led by Fourth Trimester Program expert Angela Vitiello.
Community mom Mary is starting up a coaching practice for expat parents. She’s combining 20 years of experience as a teacher and mentor with her lived experience as an expat mom in Amsterdam to help you reconnect with your (perhaps new!) identity and goals. Check out her website or message her directly at [email protected] for more info.
If your baby’s wardrobe is full of stuff that doesn’t fit anymore, the Clothing Loop is a great way to both give away old clothes and receive new ones that are the right size — all completely free! You sign up for a loop and regularly swap baby (and adult) clothes with other folks in your neighborhood. Fun, free, sustainable 🌍
Did you find an event today? Consider donating to support our work and keep this newsletter free for the community.
Until next time,
Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)
