A newborn in your life? These are the Dutch words and phrases you need to know

When a new life is born, children become parents, parents become grandparents, and both parents and grandparents start a new life. The appearance of a baby is a happy time, but definitely a time of change as well.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch cope with these changes to their lives in various ways, and often these ways are quite culturally unique. Here's a guide to not only the Dutch words and phrases that you might need, but also those that give insight into how the Dutch approach the arrival of a little one.

1. De zuigeling (the baby)

Although most Dutch people now prefer the word "baby", the word zuigeling is still in use. Literally, it means something like "suckling". The verb zuigen means "to suck", and so, the word zuigeling reminds us that we humans are and will always be zoogdieren (mammals).

A zoogdier is literally a "sucking animal". On this planet, all of us say hello to the new world by uttering a loud scream (schreeuw). And then our mouths produce sucking movements. Infants are subconsciously aware of their need for nourishment. Milk is usually produced by the mammary glands (de melkklieren) that all zoogdieren have in some way or another. 

2. Thuisbevalling (home birth) and ziekenhuisbevalling (hospital birth)

The Netherlands is one of the few Western countries where home births are still relatively common, especially under the supervision of a midwife (vroedvrouw or verloskundige).

Women with low-risk pregnancies can choose to give birth at home or in a birthing centre, usually in a hospital. In many other countries (including the US, the UK, Germany and China), almost all births take place in hospitals, even for low-risk pregnancies.

3. Kraamzorg (maternity care)

The Dutch system of kraamzorg is totally unique. The word kraam is an archaic word for "tent", and it refers to the sheltered place where childbirth used to take place. After childbirth, a maternity nurse (kraamverpleegkundige) visits the home for several days to support the mother and baby, monitor their health, and assist the family.

In most other countries, such a system does not exist. In those countries, care is typically provided by family members, hired help (such as nannies), or through scheduled visits to medical professionals.

4. Geboorteregistratie (birth registration) en namen (names)

In the Netherlands, parents must register the birth with the municipality within three working days, which is a relatively short timeframe. The name the parents choose must not be offensive or fantastically weird, but generally, there is a lot of freedom in name choice. The name of my granddaughter, for instance, is Lulu. And, of course, I think Lulu is a lovely name.

In some countries, official registration happens only after weeks or even months (such as in parts of Africa or Asia), and in certain cultures, a baby receives a name during a religious ceremony, such as the naming ceremonies in India or Islamic name-giving rituals.

5. Beschuit met muisjes (Dutch rusk with sugared anise seeds)

When you visit the newborn and the parents, usually by appointment, during the first few weeks, don’t be surprised when they offer you a traditional treat called beschuit met muisjes. In the past, blauwe muisjes were for boys and rose muisjes for girls, but in these genderfluid days, the colours tend not to matter anymore. Do not be impolite: eat the biscuitrusk with a big smile even if you hate the taste.

6. Bonusgrootouders (bonusgrandparents)

Because of the many separations and divorces in previous decades, many of today’s newborns have more than the usual two sets of grandparents: grootmoeder or oma (grandmother) and grootvader or opa (grandfather).

The new partners of divorcees also share in grandparenthood. Jokingly, they are called bonusopa or bonusoma. I am one of those bonusgrandpas: Lulu has eight grandparents! 

7. Zing mee met M’n opa (Sing along to Annie M.G. Schmidt’s "My Grandpa")

The Dutch celebrate grandparenthood by singing along to the famous song from the musical comedy Ja zuster, nee zuster by Annie M.G. Schmidt. It is called M’n opa, and it was sung by Hetty Blok and Leen Jongewaard in 1967, back when there weren’t any bonusgrandpas or grandmas. It is excellent learning material for those who are learning Dutch. 

M'n opa, m'n opa, m'n opa In heel Europa was er niemand zoals hij M'n opa, m'n opa, m'n opa En niemand was zo aardig voor mij…	My grandpa, my grandpa, my grandpa There was no one like him in all of Europe My grandpa, my grandpa, my grandpa And no one was as kind to me…