Happy almost Mother’s Day to our moms out there — and to the partners that support them 💐 This issue has a bunch of Mother’s Day events, activities, and giveaways for you to enjoy solo or as a family.
If you’re new here — hi, I’m Alex! I’m a fellow local mom who runs the Amsterdam Parent Project, a community organization making parenting with newborns, babies, and toddlers in Amsterdam a little easier. We host newborn support groups, family events, this newsletter, and more ❤️
And to the mom I ran into a few days ago at Groot Melkhuis, who recognized me from the newsletter — hi again 🤣
👩⚕️ Dear Dr. Mom: How does the Dutch system of pregnancy and youth medical care actually work?
Does finding the right medical care for your child feel like wading through alphabet soup? From wondering why you’ve never seen an actual pediatrician to figuring out who to call at 2:00 AM, the Dutch system can be difficult to navigate. Eva from Dam Parenting Podcast sat down with Dr. Marenne van Hengel-Budde (Youth Care at the GGD) to demystify the pediatric path for expat parents.
Dr. Marenne explains the hand-off between your midwife (verloskundige), the Public Health Service (GGD/JGZ for kids), and the Parent-Child Team (OKT) — and crucially, why you don't call them when your baby has a fever, but head straight to your GP (Huisarts) or after-hours care (Huisartsenpost).
In the Netherlands, specialist appointments are not available without a referral. You cannot pop up at the hospital to ask for an appointment [with the pediatrician]. That's not the way the system works.
Here’s the “who does what” cheat sheet:
Huisarts (GP): The key person for all physical and mental health issues: parent and child. They are the only ones who can refer you to a specialist. (Yes, pediatricians are specialists.)
JGZ/GGD: The preventative team monitoring your child from "-9 months to 19 years"
Parent & Child Team (OKT): Where the JGZ doctors and nurses work alongside parenting coaches. They provide the routine check-ups at your local Consultatiebureau.
Huisartsenpost (HAP): The urgent care center for nights and weekends
It’s good to be informed before you’re in a situation where you really need it. The episode covers systems of pediatric wellness care, sickness, and more 👇
Coming soon: Everything you want to know about the Dutch vaccination scheme 👀 Subscribe to Dam Parenting Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to listen when the episode airs next week.
Happening tomorrow: Puppet Show Street at Het Vrije Westen
🗓️ 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
Postpartum Exchange
Fri 15 May @ 11:00-12:30 (Monthly) — De Baarsjes
Join APP's new monthly Postpartum Exchange, an intimate networking circle for professionals passionate about postpartum support in Amsterdam. Connect, share insights, and expand your network — so we can do this important work together, not alone. First person to arrive gets a coffee on me ❤️
Mother’s Day
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Giveaway
Enter on Instagram until Thu 7 May
One lucky winner will receive a mini session with Sim Sawyers Photography, a color analysis with Clothes and Confidence, a 30-minute massage with Sy Relax Massage, and a quilted utility bag from Mirai Looms 🎁Enter on Instagram until Fri 8 May
Growing Happy Bellies is celebrating Mother's Day with a giveaway to win a 'Starter Belly tier' of delicious, ready-to-heat meals for your toddler.
Mother's Day Drink, Pastry & Paint in Amsterdam
Fri 8 May @ 19:00-21:30 — De Pijp
Where tasty meets artsy: Anook Bakehouse is hosting a guided art session to paint tulips, with a drink and pastry included.Sat 9 May @ 13:00-16:00 — Oud-West
Swap, not shop at this free event by SwapShare at Move Collective. It’s good encouragement for families to find unique and sustainable gifts by swapping items, rather than buying new.
Sun 10 May @ 10:00-16:00 — Stadionbuurt
WOPL! is offering adults free entry and an engaging creative workshop for kids 2-8 years old on Mother’s Day.
Sun 10 May @ 14:00-17:30 — Oud West
Join Singing Mamas and Fluentbody for a Mini-Retreat dedicated to maternal well-being. Enjoy an afternoon of song, somatic movement, and community connection, designed for mothers. (Non-crawling babies are welcome, too!)
Sun 10 May @ 14:00-16:15 — Oostelijk Havengebied
Indulge in a unique 3-course menu of delicious bao buns, snacks, and cocktails all while enjoying stunning views of Amsterdam at Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam's Skybar Malabar.
Sun 10 May @ 15:30-17:30 — De Baarsjes
The ultimate free pampering activity 💆🏽♀️ Papote is offering a special treat for all mothers: complimentary chair massages by a professional masseuse.
West
Tue 5 May @ 14:00-16:00 — Westerpark
Featuring interactive performances by classic characters like Jan Klaassen, this free event brings together various puppet theaters for a fun-filled afternoon for children of all ages (babies included!) in the park.
Starting 7 May (Weekly on Thursday) — Kinkerbuurt
Join your child in discovering the wonders of music, movement, storytelling and community. You’ll sing, dance, and play simple musical instruments, while supporting your child’s growth in musical, motor, cognitive, and social skills. You can sign up for the full 6 week term, or grab a one-off trial class on days there’s still space!
Mingle x Papote: The Parent Social
Fri 8 May @ 17:45-19:15 — De Baarsjes
Mingle Community x Papote present a gezellige vrijmibo (look this up if you don't know it!) for international parents & parents to be, where parents can combine Dutch practice and socializing.Mama Mingle: New Mamas (0-3 years)
Wed 13 May @ 10:00-12:00 — De Baarsjes
Need a little time for yourself, a warm drink in hand, and some grown-up conversation? The MamaSocial mingle is a casual, unhosted meetup where you can show up as you are: solo or with belly or baby in tow. It's designed for new mamas — pregnant mamas also welcome! — seeking connection and conversation.
South
Tue 5 May @ 12:00-20:00 — Vondelpark
Amsterdam is hosting a Children's Liberation Festival in Vondelpark, with interactive musical and mime performances, dance workshops, craft activities, and inspiring stories from older Amsterdammers.
Wed 6 May @ 14:30-16:30 — Rivierenbuurt
Robbeburg’s art club is turning fish themed this week! Little artists can make a splash with their imagination and create unique aquatic masterpieces.
Fri 8 May @ 17:30-19:00 — Vondelpark
Expat parents are welcome at this free community walk hosted by Erin at Relocation Counseling & Consulting: a space for connection and shared experience for those living abroad, fostering community and collective mental health support.
Musical reading workshop (2-7 years)
Sun 10 May @ 10:30-11:30 — Buitenveldert
De Muziekzolder is hosting a lively musical reading workshop based on the acclaimed picture book 'We hebben er een geitje bij' (Picture Book of the Year 2016).Sun 17 May @ 14:00-16:00 — De Pijp
Join Michaela from Family Mentoring Amsterdam for a supportive workshop designed for parents living abroad. This session offers a safe space to explore and process the unique emotional challenges of international parenting, helping you connect with and release feelings like loneliness, jealousy, or frustration.
East
Tue 5 May @ 13:00-17:00 — Zeeburgereiland
Head to this Liberation Day festival to enjoy a bouncy castle, crafts, face painting, smoothie making, and dancing to music.
Sun 17 May @ 11:00-12:15 — Oosterparkbuurt
This performance by Puppet Theater Koos Kneus is about a clumsy witch who accidentally conjures up a strange bird full of tricks. Free face painting and refreshments await!
Center
Sat 9 May @ 10:30-11:30 — Leidsebuurt
A local community mom is hosting a cozy bilingual Dutch–English storytime of Welterusten Beertje (Goodnight Little Bear), followed by a free bear mask making activity. Find them in the “Joy Camp” on Level 2!
North
Sun 17 May @ 15:00-15:45 — Buikslotermeer
DAT!school presents 'My Colors,' a vibrant and imaginative solo theater performance by Mime Wave, perfect for children aged 2 and up. This visually rich show combines puppetry, animation, music, and humor to explore themes of identity and early childhood experiences. Tickets are required for this engaging theatrical journey.
Online
Tue 12 May @ 19:30-21:30
This session by doula Joanna demystifies the Dutch maternity system, explaining the roles of midwives, doulas, kraamzorg, and other professionals during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
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)
