In a video released by the Bundestag, Steinmüller’s infant son appeared calm throughout the address, even dozing off as his mother spoke at the podium.

The MP, who gave birth at the end of December, had previously brought her child into the plenary hall but never before to the podium.

“Crazy day. First we will celebrate in the evening, tomorrow some more thoughts on compatibility,” she wrote on Instagram after the session.

According to media reports, Parliament President Julia Klöckner praised Steinmüller’s balancing act on social media, saying she managed the baby-care challenge “excellently” and noting that in certain circumstances, babies can be allowed in the chamber.

The moment has reignited discussion about the role of parents in politics. The debate dates back years: in 2009, female MPs clashed with the Berlin parliament president over bringing children into the chamber.

In 2014, Baden-Württemberg became the first German state to introduce parental leave for legislators. Three years later, the Bundestag set up a playroom, supported by MPs across party lines under the “Parents in Politics” group.