First: The suitable age for each type of childcare
| Type | Age group |
|---|---|
| Krippe | 8 weeks – 3 years |
| Tagesmutter | From birth – 3 years (sometimes up to 6) |
| Kita | 1 year – 6 years |
Home-based care provided by a licensed childminder (Tagesmutter) – usually a woman (more rarely a man) – either in her own home or in the child’s home.
Advantages:
Small groups (usually 3–5 children)
Warm, family-like atmosphere
Flexible hours (very helpful for parents working shifts)
Strong personal bond between the child and the caregiver
Disadvantages:
Limited backup in case of illness or holidays of the childminder
Less variety in activities, rooms and play equipment
In some cities it can be difficult to find a place at short notice
The Krippe is often part of a larger Kita and is designed for children under the age of 3.
Advantages:
Structured educational care with a daily routine
Supervision by trained early childhood professionals
Early learning and stimulation through age-appropriate activities
Social learning environment with several children in the group
Disadvantages:
Larger groups, e.g. ratios like 1:4 or 1:6
Less flexibility regarding opening hours
The initial settling-in phase can be challenging for very sensitive children
A Kita is a full-day childcare institution that typically includes:
Krippe (for the youngest children)
Kindergarten (for children aged 3 to 6 years)
Advantages:
Continuity: one place from infancy up to school entry
Structured early education and preparation for school
A multi-professional team with different qualifications
A wide range of group activities (trips, music, languages, projects)
Disadvantages:
Larger setting, which may be overwhelming for some children
Long waiting lists in many urban areas
Fixed opening times with less individual flexibility for parents
| Criterion | Tagesmutter | Krippe | Kita |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of children | 3–5 | 8–15 | 15–25 |
| Environment | Home-like | Institutional | Institutional |
| Flexibility of hours | High | Medium | Low / fixed |
| Parent communication | Very personal and direct | Semi-formal | More formal |
| Official approval | Yes (via Jugendamt) | Yes | Yes |
| If your child is … | Good choice |
|---|---|
| sensitive, shy and prefers a calm environment | Tagesmutter |
| very active and enjoys being around other children | Krippe/Kita |
| in need of clear routines and structured early learning | Kita |
| you as a parent need flexible care hours | Tagesmutter |
| you plan for your child to stay in the same place for several years | Kita |
Editorial note:
Our editorial team aims to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete details may still occur. Please treat this content as an initial guide and always contact the relevant authorities and official bodies for binding information.
