Being overseas in Germany when shopping for baby presents it’s own set of unique issues. I’ll go over some of the options available to try and make setting up your nursery as stress-free as possible.
A Note About Cribs
One of the biggest issues is cribs. European cribs are much different, both in size and style, than American cribs. There are a few places locally that you an pick up a crib if you like the European style. If you’re wanting an American crib, that’s a bit harder. Cribs (and their mattresses) are too big to be shipped to APO so ordering online is not going to work. The only option is to buy one at the Exchange (styles are limited!), bring one with you before you PCS, or buy one used from one of the Facebook sales pages or Bookoo (similar to Craigslist). Another large item that is on many American’s list is a glider. They aren’t that common here so definitely look into getting it in one the aforementioned ways.
On a side note, I love German changing tables and I would suggest if you are wanting a changing table to look into getting a German one.
Shopping on the Economy
There are a few stores in the local area where you can pick up baby gear.
Babies R’ Us – Yup, this is pretty much just like what you’re used to in the states. It’s a combination Toys R’ Us and Babies R’ Us so it may not be as big as what you are used to. The do have strollers, cribs, and other baby essentials. Note: they do not accept gift cards from the states so if you are given a gift card for TRU or BRU you will have to order online to use it.
Baby One – In my opinion, I would say Baby One is a step up from Babies R’ Us. They definitely have more top of the line items with higher price tags to match. Not everything is super expensive though and they have plenty of baby essentials. They have a large selection of strollers, carseats (more on carseats later), and cribs too. They also take VAT forms.
Ikea – Like Babies R’ Us, Ikea is more or less what you’re probably used to seeing in the states. They are actually opening a brand new Ikea in the KMC area August 2015. They also take VAT.
Rofu – Rofu is basically a small toy store. They don’t have furniture like cribs and such, but lots of toys! *it was mentioned that the Rofu in Kaiserslautern does have some baby gear but I haven’t been there personally.*
*The Exchange, of course, has a small selection of baby gear as well. Key word: small!
For baby clothes you can check out some of these stores:
Kik
Primark (inside K in Lautern mall)
C&A
H&M
Remember, European sizes are different! Check here for a conversion chart.
A Few Notes About Shopping on the Economy
- Many stores either do not take cards or they only take Euro cards that have chip in it. Most US cards don’t, however, Service Credit Union debit cards do (and I have yet to have mine rejected). That being said, the safe bet is to carry Euro with you just in case.
- If you’re making a large purchase, take a VAT form and ask if they accept it. Value Added Tax (VAT) is a 19% tax Germans pay on goods. If you are making a large purchase, 19% can save you some serious dough! You can pick them up at the VAT office on Ramstein.
Purchase Online
Amazon.com is my go to for many things that are either too expensive on the economy or that I just can’t find. Shipping is usually pretty quick and it’s even faster if you have a Prime membership. The caveat is that in order to receive your order at your APO, the order either needs to be from Amazon of fulfilled by them. The other option is to order from Amazon.de which the German Amazon. The bonus to this is that you usually receive your order in about 2-3 days at your German address. Don’t worry, even if you live on base there is a German address you can use for ordering.
Often times, having a baby shower isn’t a possibility since many of us are away from our family and friends. Amazon.com is a great site to set up your baby registry so your loved ones can still get you what you need.
There are also other retailers that ship to APO such as Babies R’ Us, Target, and Walmart to name a few.
U.S. Baby Abroad 