Hello to all!
A huge welcome to everyone joining us — our community grew by 30+ families this week following the (quiet) release of the new Amsterdam Parent Groups Directory!
With all of the new folks and Spring bringing warmth and change to the air, it feels like a good moment to reintroduce myself and Amsterdam Parent Project (APP). So — hi! 👋🏻🫶🏻 I’m Alex, the founder of APP: a nonprofit, community-led organization supporting parents with babies and toddlers in Amsterdam.
APP started with this home-grown newsletter to answer the age-old question: “What should I do with my baby today?” In just 1.5 years, we’ve grown into a proper community initiative: running newborn family support groups, a Burnout Support Program, and family events for the city's youngest crowd. (Plus now the WhatsApp seasons due date groups and the Groups Directory!)
Here’s what you’ll find in our newsletter:
Calendar: A curated selection of local events for babies, toddlers, and parents
Dear Dr. Mom: You ask a parenting question; we find a local expert to share the answer with everyone (for free!)
Community & Expert Spotlights: Highlighting the incredible parents and professionals in our community
We’re happy to have you here ❤️ If you have any questions about APP or want to get involved, you can get in touch at [email protected].
Today’s expert advice: Should we start solids?
👩⚕️ Dear Dr. Mom: “My baby is only 4 months old and we’re getting advice to start solids. Should we?”
One of the most confusing parts of parenting is navigating conflicting “official” advice, especially if you're an expat and Dutch guidelines don't quite match what you've heard from home.
The question of when to start solids is a big one. Is it 4 months? 6? Why the difference? Mélody Engelbrecht — a pediatric dietitian-nutritionist, founder of Petit Gourmet Academy, and a local mom — breaks down the recommendations and the readiness signs that actually matter.
Starting solids at 4 months will not damage your baby’s gut microbiome or increase choking risk if it is done safely. And starting at 6 months will not automatically lead to picky eating or food allergies. What matters most is your baby’s developmental readiness.
From navigating new flavors and textures to the "tongue-thrust reflex," Mélody shares her perspective on turning this milestone from a source of stress into joyful exploration — not just for your baby, but for you, too ❤️
Huis Willet-Holthuysen is hosting Easter weekend!
🗓️ 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
Fri 27 Mar @ 12:00-14:00 — De Baarsjes
For the pregnant crew, Hello Doula is hosting a lunch for you! It’s open to all parents at any stage of pregnancy, and it’s a chance to start building your village before the (next) baby comes. Your ticket includes a welcome drink and snacks ☕️
Tue 14 Apr @ 09:30-11:00 — Museumkwartier
Join the APP community at this special Van Gogh Museum meetup for parents and their pre-walking babies (0-1 year old), in collaboration with host Paola Bucciol. Explore Van Gogh's masterpieces, then chat and connect with fellow families afterwards at the museum cafe.
South
Wed 25 Mar @ 10:00-10:45 (Weekly on Wed) — Hoofddorppleinbuurt
A new family exercise class just dropped — and this one is free 🔥 MoveNMeet is starting up a free, weekly parent & child workout at Broedplaats SUP. Walk in from 9:30 for coffee, games, and a chat, and then work out together. The café downstairs is lovely, too!
26 Mar-5 Apr — Amstelveen
It’s cherry blossom season 🌸 Might as well combine delicious food with a stop for photos and awe at Bloesempark Amstelveen!
Fri 27 Mar @ 10:00-12:00 — Rivierenbuurt
Robbeburg International Playgroup is hosting a special musical playgroup session with Muzaza founder Maya Felixbrodt, offering a joyful morning of music, rhythm, singing, and movement for little ones.
Sat 28 Mar @ 12:00-16:30 — Buitenveldert
Celebrate Easter at Gelderlandplein with a parade, egg hunt, and other fun family activities.
Sat 4 Apr @ 10:00-12:30 — De Pijp
District Church’s annual Easter event is back: a fun-filled egg hunt featuring prizes, bounce houses, and treats. Crucially, this one is welcome to even babies who are just learning to walk, and it’s in English!
Center
Sat-Mon 4-6 Apr — Grachtengordel
For a stately Easter vibe: The Amsterdam Museum is a marvelous host at Huis Willet-Holthuysen over Easter weekend. There’s an Easter egg hunt in the historic garden, plus Easter crafts and coloring activities indoors.
West
Wed 25 Mar @ 09:45-11:00 (Weekly on Wed, Fri, and Sat) — Oud-West
Check out the toddler class at Amsterdam Kids Drama & Dance, where you and your little one explore imaginative themes together through dance, mime, and songs. You can sign up for a block of classes or — the real 🤩 moment — sign up for individual sessions anytime.
Wed 25 Mar @ 15:00-16:00 — Oud West
The wooden Klauterpad playground in Vondelpark is reopening this week! 🎉 There will be an official opening attended by the children's mayor and city officials. Everyone can play after Wednesday in the new, renovated playground.
Wed 1 Apr @ 15:30-16:30 & Mon 6 Apr @ 10:00-12:00 — De Baarsjes
Papote is going all out for Easter 🐰 Kids and parents can paint an easter egg, enjoy a coffee (included in the ticket!), then head to the play area. Just don’t lose your egg in the ball pit…
North
Sat 28 Mar @ 10:00-17:00 — Jeugdland
It’s KiMu opening week! There’s a new Children's Art Museum (Kinderkunstmuseum) in Amsterdam, where kids can lead their own creative journey through play, experimentation, and art. Let me know if you go — their photos look very toddler-friendly 👀
Sat 28 Mar @ 13:30-17:00 — Molenwijk
Head to the Japanese Family MATSURI Festival for Japanese food, music, sports, creative workshops like origami and animation.
Sun 5 Apr @ 10:00-13:00 — Buiksloterham
De Ceuvel invites families to their annual Easter Brunch: a delicious buffet with fresh, local, and sustainable products, plus a fun scavenger hunt for hidden eggs.
Online
Tue 24 Mar @ 12:00-13:00
Certified gentle sleep coach Petra from How About Sleep is hosting a live online Q&A session for parents of babies and toddlers, together with Parentally on their Instagram. Petra is great; we shared the stage together for a postpartum panel at last year’s BBABBY Fair 🫶🏻
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)
