The national population is still in decline despite steady immigration. Unlike France, where starting a family is actively encouraged by government policy, it has only recently stepped into the political spotlight in Germany, due to such government measures having negative associations with the past (the Nazis had a policy of handing out medals to mothers of large families). The current government is doing its best to reverse the trend, as birth rates have been falling steadily since the 1970s. New mothers are now offered a monthly salary of up to €1,800 for the first 12 months (see Residents) – and there are plenty of places to spend money on the baby.

From prams to cots and clothes, BabyOne has everything under one roof but it’s quite a trek out to Wildau bei Berlin. Closer to home, babywelt in Kreuzberg has all the essentials – prams, car seats, cots, clothes and toys. The larger Emma & Co is like a mini department store for tiny tots (030 8867 6787).

If you’d rather shop without stepping outside the front door, try www.baby-walz.de, or the slightly cheaper www.babyland-zeller.de, both of which cover maternity wear and a huge range of baby products (including big-name brands such as BabyBjörn, Tommee Tippee and funky Stokke and SIGG).

H&M Kinder in Steglitz sells the latest fashions for babies at reasonable prices, but if you’re after something chic, try Cinderella or Sonia Rykiel’s Kinder Boutique, both on Kurfürstendamm, which stock sophisticated Parisian-style designs and designer labels like Versace Young and DKNY. Gorgeous baby clothes can be found at kinderkaufladen in Mitte. It also stocks toys and furniture, mostly sourced from Scandinavia, but some local designers are available. If nothing short of Marimekko sheets will do for your newborn, head to Mom‘n’Dad near the exclusive Savignyplatz, or funky C 37, which stocks labels such as Paul Frank.

If you’re on a budget, Bullerbü has all manner of furniture, prams and clothes for hire in good condition, while Prenzlauer Berg has a plethora of second-hand stores devoted to baby goods, including Neufundland and Findus. Jibboo in Friedrichshain has the widest range of vintage baby goods in Berlin, including eco-friendly underwear and wooden toys.

Secondini stocks used high-end labels such as La Perla and Portofino for less than €10. Eco-conscious mums will love Kronjuwel, where cute clothes are cut from old fabrics (at reasonable prices).
When it comes to feeding your baby, supermarkets and health food stores are well stocked with formulas and baby foods, including organic lines such as Bioland. HiPP (www.hip.de) also has useful information on everything from a newborn’s nutritional needs to where to find birth clinics and emergency medical help. Some organic clothing, allergy-safe products and reusable nappies are also available online at www.hans-natur.de.