[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by ramnds

I want to start by saying--we are just finishing up our homestudy and have sent the our "stuff" to a few different agencies. We are not matched yet, but are obviously looking at all the baby gear we will need and want. So do I buy it all now, or should I wait until we actually have a match or a baby.Thanks so much in advance!

Rachel

When I did my first adoption (1997/1998), I couldn't wait!! I started buying things while I was finishing the homestudy. I remember buying a white snowsuit and my mother said "But you don't know if will even be the right season". That was the only clothing item I bought. I bought furniture & lots of toys & books.
btw: My baby girl did get to wear the snowsuit her first winter.

The second time around, I wasn't expecting a match so soon so I didn't have anything at all. I borrowed a carseat & picked up bottles & formula on my way to pick her up. The first night home, Angel slept in a homemade cradle (made out of a laundry basket). Fortunately, a coworker brought me a ton of baby items the next day so I had a really bassinet for the next night.

When Hanna came along, I many of Angel's things (her adoption disrupted) so I was better equipped.

Since you don't know when you'll get the call, I'd have the basics on hand. Carseat, crib or cradle, bottles, formula, little unisex outfits..etc. Just enough to get you through the first week or so in case you get an unexpected call about a baby.
Kat-L