Overview

• Green MP Hanna Steinmüller delivered a plenary speech on 23 September with her few‑months‑old baby in a carrier, reported as the first such appearance at the Bundestag.
• Steinmüller said she had not planned to bring her child and chose not to wake the sleeping baby shortly before her turn to speak.
• Bundestag President Julia Klöckner praised Steinmüller and this week invited MPs with babies and toddlers to propose measures for more family‑friendly parliamentary practice.
• Germany lacks a formal parental‑leave regime for MPs and ministers, with reporting noting they are expected to resume duties eight weeks after birth.
• Public reaction has ranged from broad praise to accusations of self‑promotion, while commentary warns the image could set unrealistic expectations about combining infant care and political work.