Welcome
to the family!
Children bring so much joy and variety to our lives. Witnessing their development is a daily
little miracle. Enjoy
your child's first smile, their first steps, their first words!
Dear mothers and fathers, dear parents,
It's wonderful that you've arrived here on the "Welcome to the Family – Your First Time with Baby" page! I congratulate you and share in your joy on the birth of your child.
Children bring so much joy and variety to our lives. Witnessing their development is a daily little miracle. Enjoy your child's first smile, their first steps, their first words!
On this website you will learn,
- family-friendly places and facilities near you ,
- which important formalities and applications still need to be completed,
- support and advice in special situations ,
- is important for parents in the first six months with a baby
- how you can spend your free time with children in Bremen.
Important addresses
Facilities and places
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The city of Bremen has four hospitals that offer maternity care. Here, gynecologists, pediatricians, midwives, (pediatric) nurses, and (pediatric) nursing assistants provide expert care for pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and are available to answer medical questions or address any problems.
Some hospitals also have parenting schools. These offer courses and events related to childbirth and becoming a parent.
Here you can find the four clinics:
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The city of Bremen has four hospitals that offer maternity care. Here, gynecologists, pediatricians, midwives, (pediatric) nurses, and (pediatric) nursing assistants provide expert care for pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and are available to answer medical questions or address any problems.
Some hospitals also have parenting schools. These offer courses and events related to childbirth and becoming a parent.
Here you can find the four clinics:
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Midwives support you as a mother (and also as a father) not only before and during birth, but also in the first 12 weeks after delivery. If medically necessary or if you are in a difficult life situation, the support can continue beyond the end of breastfeeding.
In Bremen, family midwives can support you for up to three years after the birth if you have a special need. The costs for your midwife are covered by statutory health insurance. You can get detailed information from your health insurance provider.
Here you can find suitable midwife care:
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All maternity clinics in Bremen have what are called parent schools. Parent schools offer many different programs for young families:
Information events on topics such as infant care, nutrition, breastfeeding, vaccinations, and the child's first year.
Courses and group activities: postnatal exercises, childbirth preparation, baby massage, baby swimming, developmental support, etc.
Midwife consultations, first aid courses, parent-child café, etc.
Here you can find parenting schools: -
If you're wondering whether everything is alright with your baby, whether your child is developing well, if you'd like to connect and exchange ideas – or need support for the perhaps still unfamiliar everyday family life, then register with one of the city-wide early intervention centers.
Schedule an appointment or take advantage of one of the open offers there! The consultation is confidential and free of charge.
Here you can find the early intervention centers:
Overview of all early intervention centers in Bremen : Early Intervention Center West | Caritas Erziehungshilfe gGmbH (Gröpelingen) Early Intervention Center Hemelingen | Office for Social Services (Hemelingen) Early Intervention Center Central | German Red Cross Bremen (Central) Early Intervention Center North | House of the Future (Lüssum) Early Intervention Center East | German Red Cross Bremen District Association (Schwachhausen) Early Intervention Center South | SOS Children's Village | Office for Social Services (Neustadt) -
If your child is not developing like other children of the same age or has a disability, then they should receive comprehensive support as early as possible. First, talk to your pediatrician. Or take advantage of the consultation hours offered by early intervention centers. This way, your child can receive comprehensive support from birth until they start school.
Call and schedule an appointment! You can also use the open consultation to ask your questions. The consultation is free.
Here you can find the early intervention centers:
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The 11 Family Centers in Bremen offer a fantastic range of services for parents, mothers, fathers, and children – regardless of your family structure. They focus on family life and parenting, marriage and partnership, raising and developing children, and everyday life with children. They often offer specialized programs, for example, for single parents. Sometimes, childcare is also available.
Many services are free and located near you. Take advantage of the diverse events and meetups such as information sessions, courses and group activities, parenting advice, parent-child groups, or playgroups – why not drop by?
Here you can find the locations of the family's houses:
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Mothers' centers and family centers are meeting places where you can get to know other families in your neighborhood. You can exchange ideas there – with or without your children – get advice, or attend events.
There are special offers, for example for mothers, for women, for single parents, for career guidance or on other topics.
Here you'll find suitable family-friendly places:
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Raising a child involves many questions and often uncertainty. The four counseling centers for children, young people, and families in Bremen are there if you have questions about parenting, want support as a mother or father, or are worried about your child's development.
If you and your partner frequently argue or are considering separation, you can get advice here. Single mothers and single fathers can also receive tips and support for everyday parenting. The consultation is free. You can make an appointment.
These are the locations where you can find parenting advice:
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The General Social Service for Young People – Youth Welfare Office is the central point of contact for children, young people, and families. Its goals are to promote the individual and social development of young people, to protect children and young people, to advise and support parents and guardians, and to contribute to positive living conditions for young people and families.
Reliable telephone consultation hours are Monday afternoon from 13:00-15:00 and Thursday morning from 9:00-12:00 or via the specified team mailbox.
Here you can find the locations of the youth welfare office:
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The Office for Social Services (AfSD) offers advice, practical support, and assistance in all aspects of life at its six social service centers. Staff at these centers help with questions regarding parenting, custody, legal guardianship, paternity acknowledgment, child support, and other related matters.
Which social services center is responsible depends on your place of residence:
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Are you and your family new to Germany? The migration counselling service helps immigrants to find their way around Bremen, to participate in social life, and to preserve their cultural and religious identity.
Living in a foreign country and an unfamiliar environment presents many challenges in everyday (family) life. The "Arriving in the Neighborhood (AiQ)" advice centers provide guidance, support, and assistance to refugees who are already living in their own accommodation.
These organizations offer you support, advice and help:
Arrival in the Neighborhood (AiQ) Migration Counseling (MBE) | German Red Cross Bremen District Association Migration Counseling (MBE) | Diakonie Bremen Migration Counseling (MBE) | Caritas Association Bremen Specialist Service for Refugees, Integration & Families | Office for Social Services (AfSD)
All about health
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Your baby needs a pediatrician very soon. You can find a practice near you in the overview. The Bremen Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians allows you to filter specifically by district, accessible practices, foreign languages spoken, and special consultation hours.
Please schedule an appointment for your next preventive medical check-up in good time.
Here you will find overviews:
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Our emergency list contains the most important numbers and addresses if your child suddenly becomes ill or has an accident. You'll also find an overview of advice and support in crisis situations – by phone and online.
The emergency contact list is a service provided by Familiennetz Bremen. You can also find it in the "Welcome to the Family" folder. You can hang it on the refrigerator or in the hallway, for example. This way, everyone can see it – including grandparents, babysitters, or people who also live in your household.
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Early detection examinations for children up to the age of 6 are special medical appointments – they help you as a mother or father and your child! During these early detection and preventive examinations, also called U-examinations, your child's development is medically examined and monitored.
These examinations can detect illnesses and developmental delays early. The costs are covered by your health insurance if you keep your appointments. You can find out the appointment times from the Bremen Health Department. You will receive a letter from the Early Detection and Early Consultation Center. The doctor will then certify in the yellow child health record booklet that you and your child attended the examinations.
These listed sources provide you with information:
Special situations
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After giving birth, you may experience unexpected feelings. You might feel down, sad, or uncomfortable with your baby. This is known as the "baby blues." It typically appears three to five days after birth and disappears after a few days.
Postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression, can cause a low mood that lasts for several weeks or even years. Both mothers and fathers can be affected. If you notice changes in your mood or general well-being during the first year after giving birth, take them seriously and talk to your midwife, gynecologist, or doula!
You can also seek help from counseling centers. You don't need to be ashamed or think that you're the only one who feels this way.
Here you will find suitable positions – in addition to midwives and gynecologists:
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Babies cry varying amounts. Perhaps your baby cries more than others and is difficult to soothe, even though you've done everything to meet their needs – such as sleeping, feeding, or physical closeness. If your baby cries a lot, it can be very stressful for you, and parents often feel desperate.
There can be various reasons why your baby is crying. If you are trying to find the cause or if your baby is experiencing excessive stress, consult your pediatrician promptly. Please remember that you must never shake your baby! This can be life-threatening.
Here you can find special advice for parents with babies who cry a lot:
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If your child has a disability or chronic illness, it often brings fear, worry, and uncertainty. A diagnosis can trigger disappointment and grief, and you suddenly have to cope with many new challenges.
To support your child's development as early as possible, a consultation with your pediatrician is very important. In addition, interdisciplinary early intervention centers (IFF) support your baby's development. They also offer holistic support for the family, opportunities to connect with other parents, and information about legal regulations.
Social Pediatric Institute (SPI)
The SPI, also known as the Children's Center, is responsible for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of children and adolescents with physical, mental, emotional, and social developmental abnormalities. The SPI operates exclusively on an outpatient basis and operates on a referral basis from a pediatrician or family physician.
Here you will find suitable advice and support:
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After your child's birth, attention naturally turns to its sex. If your baby cannot be clearly identified as either a girl or a boy based on its genetics or physical characteristics, you as parents do not have to register the sex in the birth register.
The entry can be left blank. Alternatively, you can choose female, male, or diverse. For a blank or diverse entry, you will need a certificate. This certificate, issued by a doctor, confirms that your baby has a variation in sex development. This gives your baby time to develop, and allows you to get to know them first.
You can also choose a social gender for your baby. This is helpful in everyday life and can easily be changed later. A decision regarding the official gender entry can be made later, at your leisure, and perhaps together.
Here you will find suitable advice:
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As a mother or father of twins or triplets – or other multiple births – you are often under greater personal and financial strain than other parents. Multiple babies require more attention than a single newborn. Cuddling, breastfeeding, bathing, dressing and undressing – everything takes much more time and energy. You also need many things, like clothes or diapers, in multiples.
Parents of multiples will be pleased to know that there are everyday support services and additional government benefits available to help with daily family life. There are special regulations regarding maternity leave, parental allowance, and parental leave. Furthermore, you can receive support in the form of household help when you have multiples.
Here you will find suitable advice:
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If your baby is a so-called "premature baby", it will need time after birth to develop outside the warm and protective environment of the womb. The physical and emotional care of the parents plays a crucial role in this process.
Premature babies are often more susceptible to illnesses and infections. This can cause greater uncertainty in caring for your baby. Due to the unique circumstances, you as a mother may not recover your strength as quickly. Take advantage of the help and support offered by your (family) midwife!
Parents of premature babies often have many worries. As a mother or father, you can discuss any uncertainties with the maternity ward/neonatology unit, with the local pediatricians, and with your midwife.
Here you will find suitable advice and information:
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There can be various reasons for the death of a child: miscarriage, stillbirth, or complications during birth. Your child may also have been born prematurely or died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Whatever the cause of death, a deceased baby leaves a void filled with pain and grief.
Everyone deals with grief differently. For many mothers and fathers, sharing experiences and conversations can offer comfort and initial support during this difficult time. There are midwives who specialize in supporting grieving parents. Siblings can also find support and guidance in their grief.
Here you will find suitable contact points:
Businesses in our city
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The city portal bremen.de offers a wealth of information and ideas for families with children of all ages. Whether you're looking for leisure tips, children's flea market dates, family-friendly cafés, or venues for children's birthday parties – you'll find plenty of suggestions and addresses on bremen.de.
This section also contains a lot of information on specific topics such as weddings, childcare, single parenting, or bereavement.
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On familiennetz-bremen.de you'll find information, locations, and events on all topics related to family life in the city of Bremen. There are many events if you'd like to do something with your baby (and your other children). In the various neighborhoods, there are meeting places such as parent groups, breastfeeding cafés, playgroups, and other opportunities to connect and exchange ideas. There are also programs specifically for mothers, fathers, parents, and grandparents.
The Family Centers (HdF), mothers', family, and neighborhood centers, community centers, and other similar organizations offer services for all needs and life situations. These services are often open and free of charge. If you have questions, are looking for something but can't find it, or need guidance, please contact us
Telephone: 0421 790 89 18 (Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm)
Email: info@familiennetz-bremen.deWe can also be found on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.
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Playgrounds
You can start exploring local playgrounds with your baby from an early age. Between sand toys and nest swings, there are great opportunities to meet other mothers, fathers, and families and exchange experiences.
Civic buildings
Community centers are social meeting places offering a wide range of activities for families. In addition to group activities and courses, they provide a space for diverse interests such as sports, health, hobbies, entertainment, culture, and languages.
City libraries
In Bremen's city libraries you can borrow books and other media and participate in various events for the whole family.
There are special programs for very young children, such as the Picture Book Cinema. All eight locations have children's libraries. There you can get help with any questions you may have about reading aloud and reading in general. They usually also have books in various languages.
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The free magazine "Kinderzeit Bremen" is published every two months and is available at over 500 family-friendly locations. Here you'll find articles about parenting and the vibrant world of family life, as well as tips, ideas, and regular themed features. There's also an events calendar and a regular newsletter.
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The FreiKarte is a prepaid card given by the state of Bremen to all children and young people residing in Bremen or Bremerhaven. All children and young people under 18 automatically receive the FreiKarte by mail. The card is pre-loaded with €60, and the FreiKarte will also be available in 2025. It will again be sent by mail and does not need to be applied for.
The FreiKarte can be used to pay for admission at many selected locations, such as swimming pools, cinemas, indoor playgrounds, or theaters. Where specific equipment is required, such as for ice skating or bouldering, this equipment can also be rented with the FreiKarte.
In some places, you can also use the card to pay for food, drinks and rides at the Freimarkt, Osterwiese and Christmas market.
Important dates
Dates for the first half of the year
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The time before and after the birth of a child is very exciting. There are several things you need to take care of as a mother or father. You may have already done some of it, while others still need to be done. We'll give you a brief overview of what's important during this time.
Things you need to remember:
- Postpartum care by your midwife
- Follow-up examination with the gynecologist
- Early detection and preventive examinations for your baby
- Registering the child / Applying for a birth certificate
- Health insurance for your baby / Family insurance
- Apply for child benefit
Things to consider if they are important to your life situation:
- Inform employers
- Apply for parental allowance
- Submit parental leave request to the employer
- Joint custody/declaration of custody and acknowledgment of paternity for unmarried couples
- Sole custody, child support, child support advance payments and legal guardianship for single parents
- Change income tax characteristics (tax class, child tax allowance, etc.)
You can find the responsible departments, applications and online services for the city of Bremen under >> Applications and Online Services
- "When the baby arrives"
- "If you are not married and/or you are a single parent"
- "When the money isn't enough"
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The birth of a child also brings with it a number of formalities for you as parents: birth certificate, child benefit, custody declaration, and much more. You can find initial information here to help you get started.
Our appointment checklist outlines what's important in the first weeks and months after the birth. You can print the list and check off items as you complete them. This will help you stay organized during this exciting time.
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The Working Group for New Education (ANE) has been publishing its parent newsletters for a long time. These 46 subscription-based newsletters provide young parents with practical information on everyday parenting issues.
In each issue, you'll find information relevant to your child's age, from birth to their eighth birthday. The letters, tailored precisely to your child's age, are delivered to your home by mail. You can subscribe to the ANE parent letters or order them individually for a fee.
Applications and online services
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The time before and after the birth of a child is very exciting. There are several things you need to take care of as a mother or father. You may have already done some of it, while others still need to be done. Many applications and formalities can also be completed online.
We'll give you a brief overview of what's important during this time:
- Postpartum care by your midwife and the follow-up examination by your gynecologist
- Early detection and preventive examinations for your baby
- Registering the child / Applying for a birth certificate
- Health insurance for your baby / Family insurance
- Apply for child benefit
- Inform employers
Things you need to remember:
- Postpartum care by your midwife
- Follow-up examination with the gynecologist
- Early detection and preventive examinations for your baby
- Registering the child / Applying for a birth certificate
- Health insurance for your baby/family insurance (Contact your health insurance company!)
- Apply for child benefit
Things to consider if they are important to your life situation:
- Inform employers
- Apply for parental allowance
- Submit parental leave request to the employer
- Change income tax characteristics (tax class, child tax allowance, etc.)
Other life situations:
- "If you are not married and/or a single parent"
- "When the money isn't enough"
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If you are a mother or father who is not married and/or is a single parent, the Bremen service portal offers you all the basic information on procedures, responsible authorities, deadlines and any costs – also in English.
For unmarried couples, paternity acknowledgment and joint custody or a declaration of joint custody are important. For single parents, it is important to apply for sole custody. In this situation, you can also apply for legal guardianship, claim child support if applicable, apply for child support advance payments, and change your tax bracket.
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Having a baby changes many things, often including your financial situation. If you need help, you can receive various discounts and subsidies.
Information tool for family benefits
With this information tool for families from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, you can check which family benefits you and your family are likely entitled to.
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Support in child and youth welfare
The Youth Welfare Office, through its General Social Service (ASD), offers assistance to children, young people, and their families in personal or family emergencies. The specialists help identify the causes of the problem and can provide individualized support for parenting.
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Bremen Service Portal
For all official matters and formalities, you can find basic information on the procedure, the responsible authorities, deadlines and any costs on the Bremen service portal – always also in English, often also in other languages
Bremen Citizens' Hotline 115
The telephone number 115 is the contact point for the Bremen administration. Here you can ask questions and obtain information. All matters will be resolved on the first contact or, if that is not possible, forwarded for processing.
Telephone hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am - 6 pm
Family Portal (BMFSFJ)
What family benefits are available and where can I find the appropriate local advice center? The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs' family portal provides reliable and up-to-date information on family benefits, application procedures and legal regulations.
Simple benefits for parents (ELFE)
Are you expecting a child? Then you can use the ELFE online service to easily and conveniently apply for name determination, child benefit, and parental allowance all in one convenient online application. The forms are combined into a single digital application. This service is currently limited and available under certain conditions; it will be expanded gradually.
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go | GemeinsamOnline service portal
Through the digital service portal, you can find information on "Family & Child" topics and services for the city of Bremen, and submit applications online. The portal is continuously being expanded and updated. Using a service account is voluntary and free of charge. Many digital services can also be used without registration. However, a service account offers greater convenience.
A service account is required for services because the administration needs to know your identity or because responses to digital requests can only be made digitally (to a service account mailbox).
Simple benefits for parents (ELFE)
Are you expecting a child? Then you can use the ELFE online service to easily and conveniently apply for name determination, child benefit, and parental allowance all in one convenient online application. The forms are combined into a single digital application. This service is currently limited and available under certain conditions; it will be expanded gradually.
Click here to access the ELFE online service
Family Portal (BMFSFJ)
What family benefits are available and where can I find the right local advice center? The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs' family portal provides reliable and up-to-date information on family benefits, application procedures, and legal regulations
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You receive child benefit for your child from birth until they reach the age of 18, if…
You regularly provide for your child.
You and your child have your residence or habitual abode in Germany.
Special regulations apply to EU employees, Germans living abroad, and foreigners living in Germany, people with a refugee background, and asylum seekers.Important:
Only one person receives child benefit for each child! This means the child benefit is only paid to one parent. The deadline for retroactive payment of child benefit is six months. Therefore, apply for child benefit as soon as possible!
Under certain conditions, child benefit can also be paid for children aged 18 to 25, for example, if the child is still in school or vocational training. You can apply for child benefit at the Family Benefits Office (Employment Agency Bremen/Bremerhaven) or online.
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You receive parental allowance as a mother or father if you…
if you care for and raise your child(ren) yourself after birth;
live in the same household as your child(ren);
have your residence or habitual abode in Germany;
and do not work more than 32 hours per week.
Parental allowance is intended to enable you to raise and care for your child. It provides compensation if you have less income because you temporarily work less or not at all after the birth. In this way, parental allowance helps to secure the financial livelihood of families. You are also entitled to parental allowance if you had no income before the birth, for example, as a student.Parental allowance comes in three variants:
Basic Parental Allowance,
Parental Allowance Plus,
Partnership Bonus.
Important: Changes that affect your entitlement to benefits, such as a new job, must be reported to the parental allowance office immediately. Parental allowance is paid retroactively for a maximum of three months prior to the month of application. Therefore, apply for parental allowance as early as possible! -
If your child is at least one year old, they have a legal right to early childhood education. Even younger children may be entitled to it if you cannot care for your child yourself because you are employed.
Places for early childhood development include:
- Child day
care providers are also called child mothers or child fathers. - Daycare facilities
This includes daycare centers in Bremen, church parishes, welfare organizations, parent associations, and other independent providers.
The Bremen daycare portal offers you all the important information for registering for a childcare place and an overview of all daycare facilities in the city of Bremen. You will need your child's ID number for registration. With this ID, you can register your child at a facility.The information in the daycare portal is available in several languages, including English, French, Bulgarian, Polish, Russian, Turkish and Arabic.
- Child day
Further materials
Flyer
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