Dutch parents have a knack for turning everyday words into irresistibly cute baby talk. Whether you’re learning Dutch, raising a bilingual child, or just love the sound of tiny voices saying tiny things, these words will make you smile.
Food and Drink
Hapje
/ɦɑp/“Little bite”
Used for tiny portions of food, especially when encouraging a baby to eat.
Drupje
/drʏp/“Little drop”
A tiny sip of water or milk - often said with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Bammetje
/ˈbɑmətjə/“Little sandwich”
A diminutive for a sandwich, often cut into small, baby-friendly pieces.
Body Parts and Care
Tepietje
/təˈpitjə/“Little belly button”
A playful way to refer to a baby’s belly button during tickles or bath time.
Kusje
/kʏs/“Little kiss”
The go-to word for planting tiny kisses on a baby’s cheeks or hands.
Poepluier
/ˈpupˌlœy̯.ər/“Poopy nappy”
Not the most glamorous term, but essential for any parent navigating nappy changes.
Animals and Playtime
Woeffie
/ˈʋufi/“Doggy”
The Dutch version of ‘woof-woof’, used when pointing out dogs to little ones.
Miauwtje
/miˈɑutjə/“Kitty”
A sweetened version of ‘meow’ for cats, often accompanied by gentle petting motions.
Speelgoedje
/ˈspeːl.ɣut/“Little toy”
Any small toy, but especially the ones that end up in mouths more than hands.
Sleep and Comfort
Slaapkopje
/ˈslaːpkɔpjə/“Sleepyhead”
A term of endearment for a drowsy baby fighting their nap.
Doei-doei
/ˈdui̯.dui̯/“Bye-bye”
The Dutch equivalent, often accompanied by enthusiastic waving.
Knuffel
/ˈknʏ.fəl/“Cuddle”
A warm hug, sometimes extended to stuffed animals or blankets.
Tip: Dutch parents often add ‘-je’ to words to make them sound cuter. Try it with any noun - it works like magic!
Why Learn Dutch Baby Talk?
Even if you’re not raising a Dutch-speaking child, these words offer a charming glimpse into how language adapts for little ears. They’re also a fun way to practise everyday Dutch vocabulary in a lighthearted context.
For more playful language insights, check out our guide to the funniest Dutch words or how Dutch influenced Indonesian vocabulary.
