Parenthood is a crucial time for couples to set patterns in paid and unpaid work, and the adequate and affordable provision of early childhood education and care (ECEC) is key to enabling both parents to w'ork while having a family. Germany has improved public investment in ECEC over the past 15 years. Yet more investment is needed to ensure that supply meets demand, especially in regions where ECEC is underprovided, and to meet parents’ needs more flexibly.