Kind en Gezin (Child and Family)
Kind en Gezin is the Flemish government agency that supports parents from pregnancy until a child's third birthday. Their services are available to all families living in Flanders and are designed to help children get a healthy start in life.
For many international parents, Kind en Gezin is one of the first organisations they encounter after the birth of their child in Belgium.
What services does Kind en Gezin provide?
Families can access a range of free services, including:
- An introductory visit after birth, either in the maternity ward or at home.
- Home visits during the first weeks of your baby's life.
- Hearing screening for newborns.
- Regular consultations with nurses and doctors at consultation centres.
- Growth monitoring, including measuring and weighing your child.
- Preventive health checks and developmental follow-up.
- Vaccinations.
- Eye tests at 12 and 24 months.
Is Kind en Gezin free?
Yes. The services of Kind en Gezin are free of charge and available to all children living in Flanders. Families are under no obligation to participate, but many parents find the support extremely helpful during their child's first years.
How do international parents register?
If your child is born in Flanders, Kind en Gezin will normally contact you automatically after the birth. If your child was born outside Flanders and later moved to Belgium, you can contact Kind en Gezin directly to register and arrange an appointment.
Why is Kind en Gezin useful for expat families?
Besides medical follow-up, the organisation's website contains information on:
- Baby and toddler development
- Sleep and feeding
- Child safety
- Parenting advice
- Childcare options
- Travelling with children
Although most of the information is available in Dutch, browser translation tools can help you access a wealth of useful resources.
You can visit the English page of Kind en Gezin here. There is only a limited amount of information available in English, but you can easily navigate the rest of the page from there with your translation tool of choice.
Huis van het Kind Leuven
Huis van het Kind Leuven supports families from pregnancy until young adulthood. The organisation offers parenting information, workshops, activities, support groups, and opportunities to meet other families in Leuven.
For newcomers to Belgium, Huis van het Kind is often a great place to build a local network and learn more about family life in Leuven.
International Parent Group in Leuven
One of the most valuable initiatives for expat families is the International Parent Group, an English-speaking peer support group organised by Huis van het Kind Leuven.
What can you expect?
The group offers a welcoming environment where international parents can:
- Meet other mothers and fathers living in Leuven.
- Share experiences about parenthood.
- Discuss challenges and successes of raising children abroad.
- Build friendships and local support networks.
Who can join?
The group is open to international parents and parents-to-be. Participation is free, but advance registration is recommended so organisers can share practical information about the meeting.
Playrooms for Babies and Toddlers in Leuven
Huis van het Kind also organises several welcoming playrooms across Leuven, offering safe and stimulating environments for young children and their caregivers.
Why visit a playroom?
The playrooms provide:
- A comfortable space where children can play, explore, and socialise.
- Opportunities to discover new toys and activities.
- A chance for parents and grandparents to connect with other families.
- Flexible attendance with no registration required.
- Free access or a voluntary contribution, depending on the location.
Who are the playrooms for?
Most playrooms welcome:
- Children aged 0–3 years.
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
- Expecting parents who would like to meet other families.
At Girafant, children up to 5 years old are also welcome on Wednesday mornings.
Playroom Locations in Leuven
Playrooms Open to Everyone
| Playroom | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Huis van het Kind | Savoyestraat 4 | Children aged 0–3 years |
| SpeelOdroom | Ravenstraat 69 | Voluntary contribution |
| Bib Tweebronnen | Diestsestraat 49 | Children aged 0–3 years |
| Wigwam | Diestsesteenweg 379C | Children aged 0–3 years |
| Girafant | Nieuwe Kerkhofdreef 2 | Up to 5 years on Wednesday mornings |
Neighbourhood Playrooms
| Playroom | Address |
|---|---|
| De Mobil | Valkerijgang 26 |
| De Mobil in SpeelOdroom | Ravenstraat 69 |
| Buurtwerk 't Lampeke | Riddersstraat 49, 1st Floor (PREGO) |
| Koala Sint-Maartensdal | Rijdende Artillerielaan 6 |
| Koala Kessel-Lo | Lolanden 16 |
All locations are part of a network designed to help families connect within their local communities.
Contact info of Huis van het Kind Leuven
Huis van het Kind Leuven
- Phone: 016 27 24 90
- Email: info@huisvanhetkindleuven.be
- Website: https://www.huisvanhetkindleuven.be
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get parenting support in Leuven?
Kind en Gezin and Huis van het Kind Leuven are two of the main organisations offering guidance, health information, support groups, and activities for parents living in Leuven.
Are there English-language activities for parents in Leuven?
Yes. The International Parent Group at Huis van het Kind Leuven provides an English-speaking environment where international parents can meet and exchange experiences.
Are Leuven playgroups free?
Most playrooms organised by Huis van het Kind are free to attend. Some locations operate using voluntary contributions.
Do I need to register for playrooms?
No. Families can usually come and go freely without prior registration.