Shopping for your kids in the Netherlands might seem a bit daunting. Making sure that your children have the right clothes, games, food and toys is essential when they are settling into a new home. Where exactly do you go to buy these things in the Netherlands? On this page, we will cover the basics of where to shop for your kid’s essentials.

SHOPPING FOR BABIES IN NL

Baby Food and Formula 

Baby food is called: ‘babyvoeding’ in Dutch. The word for baby ‘formula’ is: ‘opvolgmelk‘. This is a type of treated milk made for babies. These items can be purchased from:

Tip

Allergies

  • If your baby cannot be given standard formula, ask for what kind of alternative formulas are available at your local pharmacy
  • They stock special types of formula for babies who have allergies
  • These products are often soy-based
  • For advice on what kind of formula to give your baby, contact the ‘Well Baby Clinic‘. Find out about this at your local ‘Consultatiebureau

If you are preparing for the arrival of a new family member, check out our articles on ‘Having a baby in the Netherlands‘ and ‘maternity leave’. You can find out more about ‘legal matters for parents in nl‘ on our site too.

Baby Care Products

Popular baby care products include items like: baby shampoos, soaps and ointments.

  • The best place to shop for these products is at the drugstore
  • Supermarkets are also likely to stock a smaller selection 
  • Brand name and own label diapers are available at both the drugstore and the supermarket

Shopping for Children

Side Note

Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothes are called ‘positiekleding’ or ‘zwangerschapskleding’ in the Netherlands.

  • Many department stores carry maternity clothes
  • There are also shops in the Netherlands that specialize in maternity wear
  • They will stock ‘Zwangerschapszwempakken’ . This is the Dutch phrase for ‘pregnancy swim suits
  • You can purchase very stylish ‘oversize clothes’ at an ‘Extra Size’ woman’s shop. These are called: grote maten‘ in Dutch
  • There will be XL sections in most clothing stores, which could help you as well
  • Many second-hand clothing shops have a selection of maternity clothes too. These are called: ‘tweedehandswinkels

Buying Kids’ Clothes

Children’s clothing is not difficult to find in the Netherlands. Any main shopping street will have at least one store that carries a large variety of kid’s clothes. This goes for even the tiniest towns in Holland!

  • Clothes for babies and children can be found in large department stores in the Netherlands
  • There are some stores that specialize in babies’ and children’s clothing
  • Children’s shoes can be bought at almost any shoe store in the Netherlands

Buying Childrens’ Furniture

You will be able to find shops carrying baby furniture all across the Netherlands. Both large chain stores and small boutiques will meet your needs. They will have selections of:

  • Cribs
  • Strollers
  • Car seats
  • High chairs
  • Lamps
  • Bottles
  • Baths
  • Clothes
  • Toys

The Dutch phrase for baby furniture is: ‘Babyartikelen‘.

Shopping for Toys and Games

Dutch shops that hold children’s toys and games are named: ‘Speelgoedwinkels’.

  • If you are after lots of options, then Speelgoedwinkels are the place to go!
  • You will also find kid’s games and toys in some Dutch department stores and household chains
  • The Netherlands is also home to some splendid speciality toy stores
  • Speciality Dutch toy stores can be found all across the country. They do not belong to any chain, and they sell unique and more old-fashioned toys that are often made of wood

Second Hand Shops in NL

  • Second-hand children’s shops often have a great selection of children’s game, toys and books as well
  • They might also have a message board
  • People can post larger items that they wish to sell on this board. You are likely to find things like: carriages, cribs and furniture

Our site has another page, offering further advice on shopping in the Netherlands!

Recently Posted on XPat.nl

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst … Continue reading "The Difference Between a Resume and a CV"
Birthdays If you feel like skipping your birthday, you may be in for a challenge when relocating to the Netherlands, as birthdays are being held in high regard for children and adults alike. Most companies even keep a register of their employees’ birthdays so that none are forgotten and other companies even have a special … Continue reading "Gift giving in the Netherlands-all you need to know for those special moments"
Rain management With the Netherlands being a very rainy country, you will automatically have the title of ‘Rain Project Manager’ bestowed upon you when settling in this land. Rain boots and rain gear should be on top of your shopping list when relocating here. Furthermore, always carry a role of bin liner and a pair … Continue reading "Tips and tricks for Daily Life in the Netherlands"
House plants The Dutch are very fond of houseplants, the more the merrier! You will find the typical Dutch home filled with a large amount of house plants in all shapes, sizes and colours. Walking the average street, you will spot window sills with many houseplants on display. Placing two identical house plants next to … Continue reading "10 things you will find in every Dutch home"
Obtaining a mortgage as an expat in the Netherlands can be a complex process, as the requirements and regulations for obtaining a mortgage can vary depending on your citizenship and the type of residence you are looking to purchase. However, with the right preparation and understanding of the process, it is possible for expats to … Continue reading "Obtaining a Mortgage as an Expat in the Netherlands"
It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 23rd edition! More than twenty years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a handbook … Continue reading "The Holland Handbook 2023"