Information and advice

Do you have questions about raising your children, their development, or everyday family life? Various services specialise in these areas and will be happy to provide you with answers – often free of charge.

Elternbildung

Elternbildung (parent education) supports all mothers and fathers in enabling their child to develop well and healthily. There are plenty of courses available. The Geschäftsstelle Elternbildung (parent education office) also offers cantonal courses for separated mothers and fathers, for parents who do not speak German and for parents who are in conflict or crisis situations.

You can find parent education courses and events here.

Erziehungsberatung (EZB)

The Erziehungsberatung (parenting advisory service) supports families in their day-to-day lives. It helps parents better understand their children’s behaviour and needs. The service's specialised parenting advisors have a background in psychology. The service is confidential and free of charge.

The parenting advisory service is offered by Kinder- und Jugendhilfezentren (child and youth welfare centres).

Click here to find a child and youth welfare centre near you.

Hebamme

The Hebamme (midwife) offers support, care and advice during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and breastfeeding. Many midwives also offer obstetric care, check-ups, antenatal courses, postnatal courses and comprehensive breastfeeding support.

Useful websites for finding a midwife: www.hebammensuche.ch and www.familystart-zh.ch

Kinder- und Jugendhilfezentrum (kjz)

The professionals at the 14 Kinder- und Jugendhilfezentren (kjz) (child and youth welfare centres) in the canton of Zurich support parents with issues relating to everyday family life. The consultations are free, confidential and face to face.

The services offered by the child and youth welfare centres include parenting advice, an advisory service for mothers and fathers, and social services.

Click here to find a child and youth welfare centre near you.

Mütter- und Väterberatung (MVB)

The Mütter- und Väterberatung (advisory service for mothers and fathers) supports you with issues relating to the development, care, nutrition and upbringing of your baby or toddler, your family situation and how to organise your new day-to-day life.
Support is provided either in the advisory centres themselves, at the family home, on the phone, via video, or via chat. At the child and youth welfare centres, parents can have their baby weighed and measured and get to know other parents. The service is confidential and free of charge.

The advisory service for mothers and fathers is offered by the child and youth welfare centres.

Click here to find a child and youth welfare centre near you.

Väterberater

The Väterberater (fathers’ advisory service) supports fathers with issues and challenges relating to being a father. Topics that can be addressed include your own role as a father, combining a family with a career, or fathers who are separated. The consultation can take place either in person, on the phone, via video, by email, or via Messenger. The service is confidential and free of charge.

Click here to find the contact details of the fathers’ advisory service.

Meeting and borrowing

Meet other parents while your children play with their peers. There are various places where you can borrow books and toys, or buy children’s clothes at a low cost.

Bibliothek

Books can be borrowed from the Bibliothek (library). Libraries are information centres and places of learning and education for children, young people and adults.

The library offers access to picture books, children’s books, novels and guides, as well as to the internet. In most libraries, parents can borrow books for their children free of charge. Many libraries also offer activities and programmes for families.

You will find a list of all libraries in the canton of Zurich here.

Café International

The Café International (Café International) is a meeting place for people of all nationalities, languages and religions. Coffee and cake are free. The Café International takes place regularly in different communes.

Chrabbelgruppe, Krabbelgruppe, Krabbeltreff

In the Krabbelgruppe (baby and toddler group), babies and toddlers can interact with their peers, while parents get a chance to chat among themselves. Sessions last about two hours. Sometimes, there are activities to get involved in (singing, crafts, etc.). Baby and toddler groups are often organised privately. Sometimes, a small fee is required.

Children are naturally curious and enjoy spending time with other children. These qualities help them develop cognitive and social skills.

ElKi-Treff, MuKi-Treff, VaKi-Treff

In the ElKi-Treff (parent and child group), the MuKi-Treff (mother and child group) and the VaKi-Treff (father and child group), your children can play with others while you have time to chat to other parents. Many municipalities offer parent and child groups. Grandparents or other people may also be invited. The groups are usually free of charge.

Children are curious and enjoy spending time with their peers. This also helps them in their development.

Elternverein, Familienclub, Familienverein

An Elternverein (parents’ club) connects families from the local or wider area. It organises activities and puts parents in touch with babysitters. Family clubs are privately organised.

They are a good way to meet other families, especially for those who are new to the area. You can either attend individual events or become a member of the club.

Familientreff, Familienzentrum, Gemeinschaftszentrum (GZ)

The Familientreff (family group) is a family-friendly place that offers such activities as a baby and toddler group, Café International, or an advisory service for mothers and fathers.

At the family group, children get to know other children and parents meet other parents.

Femmes-Tisch, Männer-Tisch

Femmes-Tische (women’s groups) and Männer-Tische (men’s groups) are discussion groups for women or men, especially those from an immigrant background. In a small group, they can discuss issues relating to bringing up children, everyday life and health.

Kidsbörse, Kleiderbörse, Kinderkleiderbörse

A Kinderkleiderbörse (children’s clothing sale) is a treasure trove of secondhand clothes and accessories for children. Some children’s clothing sales take place all year round, while others are held only in spring or autumn.

Children grow very fast and regularly need bigger clothes. Hence, why it also makes financial sense to check out children’s clothing sales.

Here is a useful website with an overview of children’s clothing sales: www.kindex.ch

Ludothek

A Ludothek (toy library) lends out toys and games. Many municipalities have toy libraries.

Play stimulates the imagination and satisfies children's curiosity. Borrowing toys instead of buying them saves money.

Play, movement and music

Coming together to play, try things out, experience new things and move their bodies promotes children’s healthy development. Many of these activities also include you, as a parent, or other caregivers.

Abenteuerspielplatz, Kinder-Baustelle, Robinson-Spielplatz

An Abenteuerspielplatz (adventure playground) offers more than a swing, a slide and a sandpit. It is a safe area where children can climb, build, try crafts and play in the water and mud.

Playing freely outside and experimenting with different materials is important for children’s development.

You will find a list of adventure playgrounds here.

Babymassage

Babymassage (baby massage) strengthens the baby’s relationship with their mother and father. Through massage, the baby experiences tender touch, attention and new sensory experiences that promote their physical and mental development.

Babyschwimmen

Many indoor pools offer Babyschwimmen (baby swimming lessons). In the classes, babies get used to moving in the water. The courses are usually intended for babies aged from four months. They are subject to a fee.

Baby swimming lessons promote the development of motor skills and coordination in babies. They create experiences for the little ones and their parents.

You can find courses in the canton of Zurich on the First Flow and Babyschwimmen websites, or directly on the website of your local indoor pool.

Eltern-Kind-Singen, ElKi-Singen, Kindersingen, Singe mit de Chline

At Eltern-Kind-Singen (parent and child singing) sessions, toddlers get a playful introduction to the world of music together with their parents or grandparents. In most cases, children aged between 18 months and four years can take part. Sessions take place weekly and are usually free of charge.

They help your child experience making music for the first time, improve their body awareness and sense of rhythm, and promote their linguistic, social and physical abilities.

You can find activities in the canton of Zurich listed on the Verein Eltern-Kind-Singen (parent and child singing association) website, or directly on the website of your local music school.

Eltern-Kind-Tanzen, ElKi-Tanzen, Kindertanzen

In addition to parent and child gymnastics, some municipalities offer Eltern-Kind-Tanzen (parent and child dancing). Here, children aged from around two years until they start kindergarten can dance with their parents or other caregivers.

Parent and child dancing stimulates joy in movement and supports the child's motor and mental development.

Eltern-Kind-Turnen, ElKi-Turnen, MuKi-Turnen, VaKi-Turnen

Eltern-Kind-Turnen (parent and child gymnastics), MuKi-Turnen (mother and child gymnastics) and VaKi-Turnen (father and child gymnastics) are aimed at children aged from about two-and-a-half years up to kindergarten age, along with their parents, grandparents, or other caregivers.

In parent and child gymnastics, children practise and strengthen their physical abilities, as well as their independence, self-confidence and self-assurance. At the same time, they get to spend time with their peers.

Indoor-Spielplatz

At an Indoor-Spielplatz (indoor playground), children can let off steam, even on cold and rainy days. Usually, a small fee is charged.

When playing, children develop, practise and consolidate different abilities and skills. By interacting with other children, they learn social skills, such as empathy and conflict management.

Indoor-Spielplätze Schweiz and CHINDaktiv list indoor playgrounds in the canton of Zurich.

Spielgruppe

In a Spielgruppe (playgroup), six to 12 children meet regularly to play, without their parents. These groups are aimed at children aged from around two-and-a-half years up to kindergarten age. The playgroup takes place once to three times a week and lasts two to three hours. The children are looked after by an experienced carer. Playgroups are subject to a fee.

Playing with other children supports social, emotional, cognitive, physical and psychological development. Experience of interacting with a group of children also makes starting kindergarten easier.

You will find a playgroup directory here.

Spielplatz

At the Spielplatz (playground), children have access to swings, slides, sandpits, climbing towers and much more. There are playgrounds in all municipalities, and at almost all schools and kindergartens.

Children can let off steam in the playground and get to know their peers.

Support and respite

Children need a lot of time and a caregiver’s full attention. Various services can take the pressure off in your family life. Some allow you to have a regular job.

Babysitting, Kinderhütedienst

A Babysitterin or Babysitter (babysitter) is someone who looks after children by the hour. Usually, these are young people who are at least 13 years old and have completed a babysitting course. While your baby is lovingly looked after, you have time for yourself, or as a couple, to recharge your batteries.

Many family associations, family groups and family centres keep a list of babysitters, or can help you with referrals.

Kinderbetreuung zu Hause

If parents are unable or find it difficult to care for their children owing to an emergency, illness, or accident, an experienced careworker from the Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz (Swiss Red Cross) can temporarily provide childcare at home. The costs depend on your taxable income and assets.

Kinderhort, Hort, Tagesstruktur, Tagesbetreuung, schulergänzende Betreuung

A Kinderhort (wraparound care facility) is a childcare service outside of compulsory school hours that is available from the time your child starts kindergarten. Wraparound care facilities in the canton of Zurich are open from Monday to Friday between 7:30 am and 6 pm. They are aimed at kindergarten children and those in primary and secondary schools.

This service is subject to a fee. The tariffs for this are set by the municipalities. In many municipalities, parents receive discounts.

Kindertagesstätte (Kita), Kinderkrippe, Krippe

At a Kita (short for Kindertagesstätte) (nursery), children are looked after until they reach kindergarten age by experienced careworkers. The nursery is a place where children get to know their peers and learn through play. Care is usually offered from Monday to Friday during fixed opening hours. This service is subject to a fee.

Nursery places are in short supply. If you will need a nursery place after maternity leave, you'll need to start looking during your pregnancy.

Many municipalities offer financial support. This varies, depending on the municipality. Ask your municipality for more information.

Spitex

The home care and support specialists from Spitex can take on many tasks in the event of illness, accident, pregnancy, or during the postnatal period. They can help with the housework, do the shopping, or deliver meals, for example.

Clarify the costs in advance on the Spitex tariff page. They are not covered by compulsory health insurance.

Tagesfamilie, Tageseltern, Tagesmutter, Tagesvater

A Tagesfamilie (childminding service) is an alternative to a nursery or wraparound care facility. Childminders care for up to five children during agreed times. They will have undergone specialised training. Because their groups are small, childminders can cater to the children individually.

Childminders are usually used regularly and for longer periods of time. They help parents combine family and career.

Health and emergencies

Is your child sick or injured? Or are you overwhelmed by your parental responsibilities? You should know these points of contact so that you can quickly call on specialised help for your family.

Aerztefon

The Aerztefon or Ärztefon (medical helpline) is a telephone contact point for non-life-threatening medical and dental emergencies. This service is available around the clock, all year round. The specialists on the medical helpline will assess the medical situation and arrange for you to receive the appropriate medical care in your region.

Helpline number: 0800 33 66 55 (free)

In case of life-threatening emergencies, you should call 144.

Beratungstelefon für Kinder- und Jugendnotfälle, Kids Line

Is your child unwell? The Kids Line provides medical advice over the phone around the clock. The team consists of experienced nurses and doctors.

Kids Line 0800 444 333

In case of life-threatening emergencies, you should call 144.

Elternnotruf

The Elternnotruf (parents’ helpline) advises mothers, fathers and caregivers of children if they are overwhelmed or overburdened. Consultations are offered in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. They are confidential and can be carried out anonymously on request.

Heilpädagogische Frühberatung

There is a number of reasons why your child may not develop at the same pace as their peers. Differences may be apparent, for example, in their behaviour, play, speech, movement, or learning. In this case, the Heilpädagogische Frühberatung (early years special education advisory service) can help. It is responsible for families with children with developmental differences from birth until they start kindergarten.
The early years special education advisory service is voluntary and free. It is aimed at children, their parents and those around them.

Kinderärztin, Kinderarzt

A Kinderärztin or Kinderarzt (paediatrician) is a doctor who specialises in the care of children. They not only treat sick children but also look at their development (check-ups).

Register your child with a paediatrician in your area before birth or, at the latest, during your child’s first few weeks. That way, your child won’t miss a health check-up.

You will find a directory of paediatricians in the canton of Zurich here.