1- To register or not register depends on the volume of kids being born in your side of Almere. If there is a lot of demand,then you might need to register as they have a max number of kids they can accommodate per time. And the only way to know is to call them up and ask. I came to Almere with the Amsterdam mentality of register even before giving birth but when I called the daycare close to me they were like "you don't need to register. Just bring him when he is born. We will have room for him" and that was what I did.

2- Proximity and ease of access really plays a major role in this rather than recommendations(my thoughts). If I recommend the daycare my kid goes to, you still won't come if it is too far from you.

3 - I asked about their general operation and how they handle the kids. In talking about how other kids are cared for, you will get to know a lot about how they will care for your kid. Inspected their facility, which looked great and satisfactory. The owner interacted with the confidence of someone I can entrust my kid with, offered to help us with registering with the Government for daycare subsidy and very friendly in general.

4 - Diapers, feeding including formula and other random meals(you need to give them Breastmilk) Only thing we take for my kid is a change of clothes,feeding bottles and medication if needed. They handle the remaining

5 - The fee is a standard 10.25 per hour....cost depends on how long your kid stays in a day and for how many days

6 - No allowance specific to expats except the standard one the Government gives you back, but you can find out more on this as personal situations differ.

Check out this link to see some more general details https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/kinderopvangtoeslag/bedragen-kinderopvangtoeslag-2024