ONE and Kind en Gezin: Belgium’s Free Support System for Parents
One of the hidden gems of having a baby in Belgium is the incredible support available to families—often completely free of charge. Whether you’re expecting your first child or navigating life with a newborn, two organisations play a central role in supporting families during pregnancy and early childhood: ONE and Kind en Gezin.
For many international parents, these services can seem confusing at first. Why are there two organisations? Which one applies to you? And what exactly do they do?
This guide explains everything you need to know.
What are ONE and Kind en Gezin?
Belgium’s family and child services are organised according to language communities rather than geography. This means that the organisation supporting your family often depends on the language community and language of service you choose.
ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance) serves French-speaking families in Wallonia and Brussels.
Kind en Gezin (Child and Family) serves families in Flanders and offers Dutch-language services in Brussels.
Both organisations provide similar services, focusing on preventive healthcare, parenting support, and child development. Their mission is to help children thrive from pregnancy through early childhood.
Do You Have to Use Their Services?
No. Participation is entirely voluntary.
However, many families—Belgian and international alike—find these services extremely valuable. They offer professional support without replacing your paediatrician, GP, or midwife. Their role is complementary: monitoring development, providing guidance, answering questions, and supporting families during the early years.
Support During Pregnancy
Both ONE and Kind en Gezin begin supporting families even before birth.
Depending on your circumstances and region, services may include:
Prenatal consultations
Home visits during pregnancy
Information sessions on birth and parenting
Guidance on preparing for your baby’s arrival
Support for vulnerable families or those new to Belgium
These services can be especially helpful for international families who may be navigating Belgium’s healthcare system for the first time.
Before your baby arrives, it's also worth familiarising yourself with Belgium's maternity system, including your rights to maternity leave and healthcare coverage. Check out https://www.pregnantinbelgium.com/types-of-leave and and https://www.pregnantinbelgium.com/birth-allowance
What Happens After Your Baby is Born?
Shortly after your child’s birth, you may be contacted by a nurse from ONE or Kind en Gezin.
The organisation can offer:
Home Visits
A nurse may visit your home to:
Weigh your baby
Discuss feeding and sleep
Answer questions about development
Provide practical parenting advice
Check how parents are coping
These visits can be particularly reassuring for first-time parents or families without nearby support networks.
Child Consultations
ONE and Kind en Gezin run consultation centres where children can receive:
Growth monitoring
Developmental assessments
Vaccinations
Health advice
These consultations are free and focus on prevention and early detection rather than treating illness. Consultation services generally support children through early childhood, although specific services and age limits may vary.
Once your baby is born, one of your first administrative tasks will be registering the birth and applying for child benefits. Check out: https://www.pregnantinbelgium.com/registering-the-birth
Vaccinations and Development Checks
Belgium has an excellent preventive healthcare system for young children.
At consultation centres, professionals monitor:
Weight and height
Motor development
Hearing and vision
Language milestones
Social and emotional development
Routine vaccinations are often offered through these services at no additional cost, helping ensure children receive recommended immunisations on schedule.
Childcare Support in Belgium
Looking for a crèche or daycare? Both organisations play an important role in childcare oversight and family guidance.
They:
Register and supervise childcare providers
Help parents navigate childcare options
Set quality standards
Provide information about available services
In Belgium, childcare facilities are often recognised or supervised by either ONE or Kind en Gezin, depending on the language community.
Finding a crèche can be competitive in some regions of Belgium, so it's worth starting your search early: https://www.pregnantinbelgium.com/finding-day-care
Using ONE or Kind en Gezin in Brussels?
Brussels is unique because both French- and Dutch-language family services operate side by side.
As a parent living in Brussels, you will find both systems available. Many international families choose the service that best matches their preferred language or the location of consultation centres.
When registering with a childcare provider or consultation centre, it can be helpful to ask which language community it belongs to and what languages are spoken during appointments.
Are these Services Free?
Yes—many preventive health and family support services provided by ONE and Kind en Gezin are free of charge.
These services are funded by the Belgian government as part of its commitment to supporting children and families from pregnancy through early childhood.
Why Expat Families in Belgium Value These Services
Moving to Belgium while expecting a baby can feel overwhelming. Navigating healthcare, childcare, and administrative systems in a new country is no small task.
ONE and Kind en Gezin offer something many parents deeply appreciate: accessible, professional support during one of life’s biggest transitions.
Whether you have questions about feeding, sleep, vaccinations, or your child’s development, these organisations are there to help—free of charge and without obligation.
For many families in Belgium, they quickly become one of the most valuable parts of the parenting journey.
Whether you're expecting your first child or navigating life with a newborn, understanding Belgium's healthcare system is essential. If you're just starting your journey, read our Ultimate Pregnancy Guide in Belgium for Expats (2026)
