preparing for foster children

As my sister has wisely told me, no matter how much I prepare I will never be ready.

Of course, it doesn’t stop me from trying.  If you know me, you know I love to be over-prepared which is extremely difficult with all the uncertainties ahead in the journey of a foster mom.  Along the way, it’s one of the many questions I get about the process and people start to think through what I have just said I plan to do.  So I thought I would share what I have done as I am finally getting placement calls and expecting a child any day.

As a single mother with no previous infants (only older stepchildren),  it was a small investment into fostering infants and toddlers.  But if you start early and hunt wisely, you can find some amazing deals.  Thankfully I was blessed with amazing mom friends and coworkers, who donated gently used items.

When I started researching the list of what I would need I found it overwhelming, but with the help of my sister and mom friends I figured out what I really needed versus all the things I could get.  You can of course wait until placement to buy many items, which I plan to do with things like clothes and food.  I will have the basics to get me through the first 48 hours and then purchase the child-specific items I might need.

Having had two nephews, I did have a couple of things already:

• two pack-n-plays (one from my house and one from my parent’s house)
• Chicco hook on high chair (but unfortunately won’t attach to my counter or round table)
• some toddler toys previously for my nephews or friend’s kids
• two twin beds (perfect for a 4 year old)

Here’s a list of things I purchased in advance knowing I was planning to accept children of either gender from age 0 to 4 years old (up to 2 children):

• convertible crib and mattress (with toddler conversion kit) – Craigslist
• crib sheets and bedskirt (no bumper) – Restoration Hardware Outlet
• changing table pad and cover – Walmart (used an old dresser to put it on)
• diapers and pull ups (small package in every size) – Walmart
• wipes and butt paste
• training pants and underwear for toddlers – Walmart
• toothbrushes and toothpaste for toddlers – Walmart
• blankets and burp clothes – Marshalls
• bottles, pacifiers, sippee cups, child utensils – Walmart, IKEA
• playmat with mobile _ Once Upon a Child
• children’s books – Once Upon a Child, Marshalls
• PJs in every size – Costco, Kohls
• Gender neutral clothing in a variety of sizes (enough to at least provide a change of clothes for any child 0 to 4 yo) – Old Navy, Marshalls, Once Upon a Child
• Jars of baby food
• Formula (premade packets that you don’t add anything to)
• bibs
• Evenflo convertible carseat – Costco
• baby gates (required) – Amazon, Baby R Us, Target
• babyproofing (cabinet locks, plug caps, etc) – Walmart
• thermometer and First Aid kit (required) – Walmart
• fire escape ladder (required) – Amazon
• fire extinguisher (required) – Walmart
• toys – Walmart, Once Upon a Child
• Ergo Baby Carrier – Once Upon a Child
• baby bath seat – Once Upon a Child
• child stools – IKEA, Home Goods
• food appropriate for children (cheerios, chicken fingers, fruit, veggies, yogurt, milk, rice cereal, etc) – Walmart
• baby monitor – Once Upon a Child
• rocking chair – IKEA ektorp chair with a rocker attachment from Amazon

 

Things I received as gifts or donations from friends, coworkers, and family (THANK YOU AGAIN!!):

• exersaucer
• high chair
• vibrating infant seat
• bibs
• Phil & Ted Double Stroller
• kids toys
• baby bedding and decor
• books
• baby car mirror
• diaper bag
• stuffed animals
• potty training seats
• car bottle warmer

 

I will let you know what totally slipped my mind and I wished I had thought of after my first placement 🙂  One of my best finds along the journey has been the Once Upon a Child children’s consignment shops.  They have amazing rewards and I was lucky enough to catch some $1 days and great clearance sales.

And finally, if you want to see the current baby room check out this post!