The Dutch House of Representatives also put forward a motion to boycott Russian oil in the Netherlands. If it fails, they would attempt to reduce Russian oil imports, which a majority of Dutch political parties agreed on. ✅
Imports somewhere else
In addition, some politicians suggest a gas boycott and the exclusion of Russian ships for European ports. Rutte says this is more complicated, as Europe relies on Russian gas imports even more than its oil. 🚢
He says oil is the easiest export to target but warns that it won’t have a big effect on the sanctions. Unlike gas, Russia could sell their oil to other countries, like India.
In the coming days, the EU must agree on a new sanctions package for Russia. The leaders agreed on previously sanctions packages fairly quickly — but as they approach the territory of oil, gas, and ports, Rutte says these require very careful consideration.
Giving birth in the Netherlands as an international comes with a whole new set of (linguistic) challenges. From healthcare and pregnancy to preparing for a baby— there’s a whole world of Dutch vocabulary you should know about. 🍼
Even if you’ve mastered some Dutch, your vocabulary might not span the breadth and width of healthcare and baby-related terms you’ll need.
To make this experience a bit easier, we’ve assembled all the vocabulary to help you and your newborn take the Netherlands by storm. 🇳🇱
People and healthcare professionals
In the Netherlands, the midwife comes to visit you at home. Image: Depositphotos
Just found out you’re expecting? First off, congrats! And secondly, you might want to know that you don’t call your Dutch huisarts (General Practitioner) first thing. Instead, you call the verloskundige (midwife). This will officially start the process of your pregnancy care.
Skipping forward a couple of months, you should know that after giving birth you have three days to officially register your baby with your gemeente (municipality).
Here are some other important Dutch words for people and healthcare professionals that will help you throughout your pregnancy in the Netherlands:
Newborn — pasgeboren
General Practitioner — huisarts
Nurse — verpleegster
Maternity nurse — kraamverzorgster
Municipality — gemeente
Pregnancy in the Netherlands
Pregnancy is considered a natural process by the Dutch that shouldn’t be overly medicalized. For example, the Netherlands gives you a choice of where you want to give birth. Your options are between the hospital, at a birthing centre or delivering your baby at home — making it one of the few Western countries that permits this practice!
You will also receive a home visit from the consultatiebureau (child care clinic) a few days after giving birth. After you’ve recuperated enough, you can bring your baby there for regular check-ups.
Here are some more words you might encounter when discussing your pregnancy with healthcare professionals:
Pregnant — zwanger
Pregnancy — zwangerschap
childbirth — bevalling
to give birth — bevallen
Birth date — geboortedatum
Birth certificate — geboortecertificaat
Care Clinic (Pediatrician) — consultatiebureau
Welcoming your baby
It is possible in the Netherlands to have an assisted home birth. Image: Depositphotos
About six weeks prior to your due date, it is advised that you have a kraampakket (maternity package) in your home. A kraampakket is essentially a basket filled with things you might need after giving birth: bandages, maternity pads, disinfectants, healing creams and so forth.
You can buy them online from known brands such as Natalis or Heltiq. Another option is to check out your local baby-supply store. When you are close to your due date, you may need items to protect your bed in case your water breaks — things like a mattress protector and pads that are found in this helpful box.
After birth, you will receive kraamzorg (maternity care) in your home with the assistance of a maternity nurse. Every woman who gives birth in the Netherlands is entitled to this help. You and the nurse will need items from the kraampakket that help you with the healing process. See below for more items found in this package.
These are some of the items you’ll find in your kraampakket:
Matress protector — matrasbeschermer
Underlay — onderlegger
Kraammatras — maternity mattress
Umbilical Cord Clamp — navelstrengklem
Maternity Pads — kraamverband
Nursing/Breast Pads — zoogkompres
Bandage Pads — verbandwatten
Maternity stores
What’s a better way to spend an afternoon than looking at mini-size clothes in a maternity store? Image: Depositphotos
There are many boutiques and shops for baby items in the Netherlands. Some of the largest chains with multiple locations throughout the country are Baby Park, Prenatal, Baby-Dump and Baby Planet. Additionally, you can find a small selection of baby essentials such as formula, wipes or diapers at your local drogisterij (drugstore) such as Etos or Kruidvat.
Good to know: Many of these larger stores are closed on Sundays. Prenatal has locations where the designated first or last Sunday of each month is open. Baby-Dump, on the other hand, is always closed on Sundays including the online store.
Breast feeding
When it comes to feeding your baby it is best to visit a baby store for products such as breast pumps or bottles. If you’re ever in need and the baby store is closed, don’t fret. Grocery stores such as Jumbo and Albert Heijn have sections with baby essentials like diapers, baby food and formula.
These are all the Dutch words you’ll need when feeding your baby:
Nursing Bra — voedingsbeha
Breast pump — borstkolf
Breastfeeding — borstvoeding
Baby formula — opvolgmelk
Baby bottle — babyfles
Bottle warmer — flesverwarmer
Sterilizer — sterilisator
Baby food — babyvoeding
High chair — kinderstoel
Teethers — bijtringen
Putting your baby to sleep
The Dutch way might be different from your own culture when it comes to baby sleep. For example, the kruik is a hot water bottle used to warm the bed of the baby since it can’t regulate its own body temperature yet.
Sound scary? You can buy a fabric cover for it and normally it is placed within the blankets at the foot of the crib or taken out before the baby is taken to bed.
Here are some Dutch words that’ll come in handy when putting your baby to sleep:
Baby monitor — babyfoon
Hot water bottle — kruiken
Humidfier — luchtbevochtiger
Wieglaken — crib sheets
Swaddle — inbakeren
Baby lounger — babynestje
Toys and play
A baby’s toys help them to discover the world of colour, touch…and taste, apparently. Image: Depositphotos
After a couple of months, your baby will want to do more than sleep, cry and eat. Or at least we hope so!
When looking for toys, you may notice the popular Dutch character Nintje (also known as Miffy) on shelves everywhere. Or you’ll find that brands such as Little Dutch make beautifully crafted, pastel toys. Regardless of what you choose, it’ll be important to have speelgoed (toys) for your little one around to discover the world in a playful way.
Here are some Dutch words for toys you might want to buy for your newborn:
Teething toys — bijtspeeltjes
Rattle — rammelaar
Music box — muziekdoos
Hanging toy — hangspeeltje
Stuffed animal — knuffel
Activity mirror — activiteitenspiegel
Play box (play pen) — speelbox
Play mat — speelmat/speelkleed
Bouncer — wipstoel
Walker/Walking chair — loopstoelen
Ball — bal
Furniture
Where to find baby furniture? Popular stores such as Ikea or Baby-Park have a large selection of furniture from cribs to changing tables. If second-hand (tweedehands) is more up your alley, you can always try searching listings from people on Maarkplaatsor visit your local Kringloop — a popular Dutch thrift store chain.
These are some words to make your Dutch home baby-prood:
Nursery — kinderkamer/babykaamer
Crib — ledikant/wieg/kinderbedje
Rocking chair — schommelstoelen
Night light — nachtlamp
Stair gate — traphekken
Clothing and accessories
Look at these teeny-tiny shoes for even smaller feet. Adorable! Image: Depositphotos
Pregnancy means that it’s not only your body that is changing but there is also a whole other human you’ll have to dress and keep warm. Especially in this cold, rainy Dutch weather!
Dutch words to dress yourself and your kid:
Maternity Clothes — zwangerschapskleding
Multi-piece set — meerdelige set
Playsuit/Onesie — boxpakje
Bodysuit — romper
Diaper pants — luierbroekje
Beanie — mutsje
Socks — sokken
Transportation
If you’re new in the Netherlands, the bike culture might be fascinating. Babies and small children are often cycled to kindergarten or primary school in a bakfiets (cargo bike). Perhaps you’re from a warmer climate and unfamiliar with having a voetenzak (footmuff ) for your stroller, a type of ‘sleeping bag’ for chilly temperatures to keep your baby all cozied up on long walks.
Dutch words to help get your baby from A to B:
Pram — kinderwagen
Stroller (older child) — buggy
Rain cover — regenscherm/regenhoe
Maximum carrying weight — maximaal draaggewicht
Car Seat — autostoel
Foot muff/bunting bag — voetenzak
(Baby) Belly Carrier — buikdrager
Cargo Bike — bakfiets
There you have it — you’re ready to prepare your babykamer (baby chamber) for the arrival of your very own bundle of joy. While there is so much to learn, we hope this makes a part of your journey as a soon-to-be mother in the Netherlands just a little less stressful!
Any tips for mothers-to-be from seasoned moeders in the Netherlands? Share your experience in the comments!
So you thought the warm, sunny weather was here to stay in the Netherlands — but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
Despite the several week-long streak of good weather in the Netherlands, temperatures in the Netherlands are predicted to drop by a whopping 10 degrees Celsius next week, according to RTL Nieuws.
Make the most of the weather
Until then, the Netherlands can still enjoy the (well-deserved) springtime weather with warmer temperatures and shining sun.
Maximum temperatures will reach about 19 degrees Celsius and we can expect a sunny day, with no clouds! Better enjoy it while it lasts. 🥲
Sharp drop in temperatures
Starting Sunday, we return to the usual Dutch weather — overcast skies, wind from the north, and more humid air. 🙄
Temperatures will drop at least 10 degrees from this week, meaning an average of 5 to 7 degrees Celsius during the day. Brrrr! 🥶
It remains cold at night, sitting at around 10 degrees Celsius even if it was sunny the whole day.
Cloudy with a chance of..snow?
Meteorologists predict an increase in rainfall (normal), but there are even chances for wet snow next Tuesday and Wednesday (not normal). 😨
They predict a bubble of cold air will cause temperatures to drop, maybe enough to even cause snowfall. The chance of snow is highest in the Wadden Sea, towards the north of the Netherlands.
Spring is (still) coming!
It wouldn’t be the Netherlands without these erratic weather conditions. For everyone who’s been enjoying this weather (who isn’t!), next week’s weather forecast seems to be the black sheep.
April weather should return to its sunny disposition — back to cloudless skies and even warmer weather!
What do you think of the weather forecast for next week? Tell us in the comments below!
Scabies has become quite the problem in the Netherlands — and its biggest outbreak is yet to come.
GPs have been diagnosing 15 to 20 cases per week for the past four months, reports De Volkskrant. 😷
What is scabies?
Although we prefer to call it a pest, this small animal is only around half a millimetre in size. The female scabies mite lays eggs under the skin and the eggs and faeces of the mite cause an allergic reaction, usually in the form of itching.
Scabies often infests the buttocks, the genitals, and the skin between the fingers and toes. 🤢
The itching is usually worst when it’s warm. We’re definitely taking that extra cold shower tonight. 🚿
While scabies isn’t deadly, they’re a huge pain — and in typical Dutch fashion, they like to make curse words out of it. Schurfthekel (scabies dislike) has an unpleasant ring to it.
How can you get scabies?
According to the RIVM (hello, old friend), you can’t contract scabies from short term contact like shaking hands. Instead, you can contract it from intensive, long term contact.
That includes sex, sharing clothes, or hugging people. Scabies is quite common in places where lots of people live together — ahem, student housing.
These large accommodations are the perfect disaster of poor hygiene and huge groups of people spending plenty of time together. It’s no wonder scabies is breaking out amongst university students first and foremost.
Scabies in the Netherlands is rather unusual though. The mite usually thrives in tropical areas but the outbreaks seem to get worse in the Netherlands.
What should you do if you have scabies in the Netherlands?
If you suspect you have scabies, doctors will test your dander (flakes of skin) using a microscope or PCR test (and you thought you’ve heard the last of these). Luckily, scabies can be easily treated with ointment and pills.
Doctors recommend that any close contacts and roommates of the infested scabies carrier treat themselves as well. It’s crucial to wash your clothes and bedding properly to prevent the outbreak.
Coronavirus measures helped
For the last two years, the coronavirus measures limited the spread of plenty of infectious diseases, germs, and viruses like headlice and the flu.
Now that the Dutch government dropped all mandatory measures, the Netherlands faces around 50,000 daily coronavirus cases and a new flu epidemic. Yikes!
However, mere weeks after the publication of the book The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, critiques called out significant mistakes and gaps in the research.
Now, the book is officially taken off the Dutch market, reports RTL Nieuws.
False assumptions
The theory relies heavily on a few assumptions. First, the book suggests that members of the Jewish Council had access to lists with addresses of hiding places in Amsterdam.
Arnold Van den Bergh was a member of the Jewish Council and the researchers assume that he gave the list to the Nazis to save himself and his own family.
A follow-up research report now draws the existence of such lists and the role of the Jewish Council into question.
The report also argues that van den Bergh did not have to save his family by collaborating with the Nazis because he was in hiding himself during the time he supposedly passed on the Frank family’s address to collaborators.
Repercussions
Based on this report, publisher Ambo Anthos says: “Based on the conclusions of the report we have decided that the book is no longer available for delivery.”
At the moment, this only applies to the Dutch market. The book has been translated into 23 languages and is managed by different publishing houses.
The granddaughter of Van den Bergh, Mirjam De Gorter, is now pleading to the American publisher to follow suit and take the book off the market as well.
“With this story, you’re exploiting the fate of Anne Frank, falsifying history and contributing to great injustice,” says De Gorter.
Have you heard of this theory of Anne Frank’s supposed traitor? Tell us in the comments!
Director Bart Siemerink never thought De Keukenhof would close down — but two years after the coronavirus pandemic began, the tulip park is finally reopening its doors.
The tulip garden officially opens tomorrow in the middle of perfect spring weather, reports NU.nl. ☀️
Spring in full swing
The Netherlands is experiencing a streak of sunny, warm weather and it’s a true blessing for the tulips. With the sun shining this bright, De Keukenhof is expecting many guests for its grand reopening. 🏃🏻
The garden itself set a limit of 45,000 visitors per day. Siemierink says that some days have seen more than 60,000 visitors in the past, which is too much to handle.
Great expectations
Siemierink hopes for at least 750,000 visitors this year, compared to 1.5 million visitors in 2019. However, given the nice weather and lack of coronavirus restrictions, the number of visitors might be much higher than expected.
The garden is still recruiting staff for the eight-week season ahead.
Do you plan to go to De Keukenhof this year? Tell us in the comments!
You can officially say goodbye to facemasks and mandatory testing. 👋 All coronavirus measures are ending in the Netherlands as of today.
What does that mean exactly? Post-pandemic life (remember 2019?) is returning to the Netherlands. Hoera! 🎉
😷 No more facemasks
The Dutch government previously decided to scrap the mask mandate in essential stores and indoor venues. Now, it is also no longer mandatory to wear your mondkapje in public transport, reports RTL Nieuws.
The Dutch government does, however, advise people to keep wearing masks in buses, trains or taxis to protect vulnerable individuals.
🕺 No more 1G testing
Another step is the scrapping of the 1G testing rule before entering large indoor events with over 500 people.
So, no more rushing to a testing centre before going to that concert or techno party!
We guess that means tourists will clog Amsterdam’s streets once again. 😢
🦠 Only advice remains
When we say ‘no more measures’ we really mean ‘no more measures’. This also applies to the isolation period if you test positive for coronavirus.
Previously, individuals were asked to quarantine for at least five days after a coronavirus infection. This remains standing advice but there is no obligation for you to stay inside otherwise.
Now, this is legally speaking but if you want to be a decent human being consider a self-imposed isolation period so you don’t infect the (potentially vulnerable) people around you. 😉
What are your plans to enjoy this re-gained freedom in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!
The RIVM has reported its weekly coronavirus figures from March 15 to March 22. Both the number of hospitalisations and deaths went down.
Over the past week, the RIVM has reported 313,318 new infections in the Netherlands. This represents a stark drop compared to last week’s report of 429,252 infections.
The percentage of positive tests remained exactly the same with 66,2% of people testing positive compared to 66.2% from the week before.
Deaths
The number of patients who have died from coronavirus-related complications went down slightly. This week, 95 people passed away compared to 104 people the previous week.
Hospitalisations
The number of admissions to the nursing ward decreased while the number of admissions in the ICU increased. The past week saw 1,200 new admissions to the nursing ward and 91 new patients in the ICU.
The previous week, there were1,250 patients and 77 patients respectively.
The Netherlands scraps testing and proof of vaccination
Last week, the Dutch government announced they were scrapping major travel restrictions to the Netherlands — EU/Schengen area passengers no longer require a negative PCR or antigen test, nor proof of vaccination.
Instead, they only need to fill in a health declaration form. Additionally, it’s advised to do self-tests upon arrival and again after five days. Non-EU/Schengen area nationals continue to have travel requirements for entering the Netherlands but the testing restrictions do not apply to them anymore.
‘Virus Truth” leader Willem Engel arrested
The leader of the Dutch anti-coronavirus movement Willem Engel was arrested last week. Engel was suspected to have promoted civil unrest on social media, as well as spreading medical information.
Dutch Police are looking for 24-year-old Silvia Soriano Morente. Witnesses last saw her visiting the Westerpark Fair in Amsterdam on Saturday around 9 PM.
Soriano Morente planned to go to a coffeeshop on Van Hogendorpstraat Saturday night but police lost track of her whereabouts after that, reports AT5.
Authorities expressed their concern about the situation and are asking anyone with information to contact them. In addition, they provided multiple phone numbers to contact if anyone has any tips.
It seems like the ferry situation is going overboard. P&O announced thatno ferries will travel between Rotterdam and Hull in the United Kingdom for the next few days.
The ferry operator fired 800 employees on Zoom using a pre-recorded video message, reports NU.nl. 😬
Footage obtained by BBC South East shows the moment P&O Ferries staff were informed they had lost their jobs. pic.twitter.com/dvRnptHfC9
The company was facing financial trouble and could not continue without “major changes.” They plan to replace the 800 employees with cheaper, temporary workers.
But this led to a few problems in the short term. The ferries have been ashore since the mass layoff. They advise travellers to look for an alternative travel option between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. 🤷🏻
A mountain of problems
Because of the company’s shady methods, it’s being investigated whether P&O acted legally in firing so many employees at one time.
For example, the company would have to inform the British Ministry of Economic Affairs and carry out an information and consultation procedure. With a mass layoff, it’s unlikely they had these consultations with each employee. 😕
P&O Ferries aren’t the only ones facing problems since the mass layoff. Ferry operator Stena Line in Hoek van Holland had many complaints about P&O Ferries over the past few days.
What do you think of the mass layoffs by P&O Ferries? Tell us in the comments!
