[jarian]

My dh and I will be done with PATH classes soon and we are going for children age 1-4. We have no children. What did you do to prepare for that first phone call for a child and you have absolutely nothing. What should I begin to buy early just in case. I heard when the cw's call, you usually get the child within a couple of hours. I want to be prepared as much as possible.

[melissa_bear003]

I wouldn't go crazy, simply because you don't know when or how old the children might be. Some basic ideas though:

• Plastic/non breakable cups, bowls, plates
• pkg of sippy cups
• toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, kid body wash/shampoo, hairbrush

That would be the very basics, imho. You might also consider a neutral track suit in a few sizes...some of the kids I've heard of come in with nothing but the clothes they're wearing, and a neutral tracksuit would work as pjs or an outfit until you can go shopping.

[mommytoEli]

1 pack of diapers.....i always had a size 4 on hand. because in an emergency, most kids could wear a 4 long enough to get to the store. lol! if you are anticipating a baby at all, i'd also get one container of baby formula...what if they call late at night? i agree with some neutral basics.....a little girl came to me once with only the outfit on her back, and it was NOT suitable for public, so i could not even take her shopping with me for new things. i hate to say it, but i got supplies for lice treatment. this was not something i would let wait until morning when i thought about the aftermath of having lice in the house, so i was prepared. i did not end up needing it, but it made me feel better to have it. if you end up getting to pick a baby up at the hospital, ask if they will send you with a supply pack. we were given a pack of diapers and enough formula for a few days, it was really helpful. don't buy too much, because not only are all ages so different, but kids are all different sizes, so who knows who will show up at your door. my best advice is to be prepared with the phone number of a friend who could make a target run for you last minute while you anxiously await the ringing doorbell.

[c.a]

Oh I remember my first call. He was three. I didn't have kids. No diapers, no car seats, no sippy cups, no juice, no macaroni and cheese. I made three trips to Target and two trips to the local thrift store within the first two days. And loved every exhausting, exhilarating minute.

Don't worry about stocking up - you never know what you will get. You could stock up on baby stuff and get a ten year old. Most of the time my cw will bring at least enough diapers, clothes and formula to get me through the first day or two (they have a supply closet at the DCF office). I also had friends and members of my church chipping in.

Put on your seat belt, my friend, you are in for a ride.

Congratulations on starting the foster care journey.
Good luck.

[Emmesmom]

I got the call at 3:00 Tuesday and had to pick her up as she was discharged from the hospital the next day, she was three days old! I never had so much support in my life. Co-workers brought me a carseat in the morning, bottles, formula, outfits, diapers, anything and everything they had from their children. I didn't realize till after my nerves subsided several months later, how fortunate I was. I would also suggest having a bottle or two on hand, you can pick them up at the second hand store, my new favorite place to shop. I would also pick up some used toys. Something with music is helpful to redirect them if they get upset during the first few hours-maybe a used Elmo? That covers a large age span, maybe some books incase you get the 3-4 year old. This is a fun time. I am envious!! Try to relax and take it one hour at a time.

[hcg]

I checked out thrift stores, Craigslist and Freecycle to get a couple of outfits in each size, a crib, and whatever else I could find for a good price. Lots of people gave me clothes, sippy cups, etc.

[Pursuingmydream]

Originally Posted by jarian

My dh and I will be done with PATH classes soon and we are going for children age 1-4. We have no children. What did you do to prepare for that first phone call for a child and you have absolutely nothing. What should I begin to buy early just in case. I heard when the cw's call, you usually get the child within a couple of hours. I want to be prepared as much as possible.

...
I knew from the beginning that I would not adopt a child over the age of 4 and that I wanted two girls. So when I initially started the process in 05 I bougt a bunch of stuff but I had to move before I took a placement. This time when I told the ladies I worked with what I was doing and the age range I received so much stuff it was not funny.. I have 30 bottles different types. I have all size diapers my sister bought my a box of 750 wipes and a box of diapers so big I don't how many was in it. I have several differents types of formula, instant oatmeal, grits and mac n cheese, because most kids will get one of these three choices if they don't eat anything else. I must admit that my local children's cosignment store has been a blessing because I can buy some fabulous clothes for as low as $1. vBecause I am single I know that I won't be able to jump in the car and run out to get a bunch of stuff so I keep what I can on hand and my friends do the rest. I have a high chair, stroller, crib and bassinette all given to me by either one of my sisters or my friends. let me tell you I am so blessed. I have some great friends who have loved me enough to be there for me when I made it clear that this was my heart's desire and God's will.
Sorry such a long post but I can't sleep.

[forever14230]

You might want to check consignment shops for a pack 'n play. These can be used as beds in an emergency, and really come in handy when you have infants and small toddlers. I'd also buy a box of wipes and diapers in size 3 and 4. Keep the receipts and don't open the packages b/c they can be returned if you find out you don't need them. You might also want to buy some Pull Ups in case you get a toddler. PJs without the feet in them are good too b/c they can be used in an emergency, even if they are a little too big/small. If you end up getting a newborn from the hospital, just ask that they send a couple of cans of formula until you can get to the store. Oh, one more thing, buy a convertable car seat. They can be used from 5-40 pounds and can be purchased for as little as $44.

[jarian]

I went to Walmart this morning and saw the convertible car seat for $50. I think it's a good buy since it covers a 5-40 pound baby. I just didn't notice if it had a handle on it to carry it just in case I get a newborn. I bought bottles and sippy cups.

I found myself smiling walking through the store thinking this is getting more realistic by the day. I think I will buy some onesies in different sizes and some bibbs. I am clueless about diapers so I might wait until I actually get the call to buy them. I'm also thinking about buying a playpen and a crib. I have a full size bed in my second bedroom, so if I get a four year, they could sleep in the bed. This is so exciting. I hope we get a call as soon as complete our classes!!!

[jphollen]

Just a thought but it may be a good idea to have a small supply of infant fever reducer (Tylenol/Motrin) you can get a dosing chart from any pediatricians office too. They are both really good to have on hand. Both kids were have got have came with ear infections, fevers etc. Kids in our state go to the ER as soon as CPS removes them so you usually have the dr instruction to give them something OTC...it's just good to have it on hand!


BTW infant and child strength are concentrated differently thats why I like the dosing chart/cheat sheet

[forever14230]

The convertible car seats don't have handles, that's the main drawback. When my ds was born last year, I bought an Evenflo Discovery infant seat for $48. If you have the money you could pick one up to have on hand.

[shycar]

I found these are must haves and you should have them before a placement.

Infant Tylenol (for the young ones)
Childrens Tylenol (for older ones)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (get the ones that are for 1yr and up)
Baby Shampoo
Thermometer
Wash clothes
Baby wipes (I use those for everything, including my 6yr old sticky fingers)
Hairbrush
Hair ties (for the girls with long hair)
Lice kit
Formula (some one yr olds might still be on formula)

I always try to have some extra stuff animals and little blankeys for my new kiddos. You dont have to, but the kids love to have something nice and soft to cuddle with.

[jphollen]

No one ever told me and well call me naive but you will probably want to get water proof mattress covers for the beds you are using too. The higher end ones that don't feel like plastic work well about $24 for twin size at Wal-Mart and Target.




I learned this lesson the hard way! I also learned the cheaper covers rip easily

[SarahLaughed]

A quick emergency mattress cover would be an old shower curtain. It may not be as nice as the $24 one, but will do in a pinch!

[Pursuingmydream]

Originally Posted by jphollen

No one ever told me and well call me naive but you will probably want to get water proof mattress covers for the beds you are using too. The higher end ones that don't feel like plastic work well about $24 for twin size at Wal-Mart and Target.




I learned this lesson the hard way! I also learned the cheaper covers rip easily

a mattress cover is a good thing. I am actually looking for a toddler bed right now to put in the room with the crib. I promise you if there are any kids consignment stores in your area they will become your best friend. I have clothes from 0-3 to 4T (NOT MY FAULT MY FRIENDS ARE REALLY OUT OF CONTROL). I have put myself on restriction so I am not buying anything but they don't think that restriction applies to them.