[chrisandlainey]

We have been officially approved (foster to adopt) for about 3 weeks now, and we got the call today! We are getting a little boy, he is 1 1/2. It doesn't appear to be a long term placement, at least as far as I can tell.. but at least we are finally starting!
I'm so excited.. but a little scared at the same time. I am making my list of what all I need to get (my husband and I don't have children, so we are still in the "gathering stuff" stage, which is hard when you don't know what age you are getting).
We have some toys, but have a lot being given to us by friends, and we have a crib, and sippy cups, and first aid, childrens tylenol, i am getting a high chair from a friend. can you guys tell me what else i am missing? i know ill need diapers, and bibs, extra crib sheets, some toddler foods. I get to go shopping!! lol
if you guys can think of things i missed, please let me know! im sure ill calm down a little by friday..

lainey

[L-A-J-C-R-C]

Hi Lainey,

Congratulations! I can hear the excitement in your post LOL.

I'm not sure what you meant by toddler food but at 1-1/2 he should be eating whatever it is you're having for meals. Most pediatricians want them off the bottle by 1 so he shouldn't be taking one but he may still take a pacifier. My kids live in a "gated community" LOL meaning I have baby gates EVERYWHERE!

Don't forget things like outlet covers, cabinet locks, possibly doorknob covers (I've never used these).

Other than that, you sound like you have it all covered.

Good luck with your first placement! Post and let us know how it's going.

Michelle

[MMC66]

I usually keep a bottle of Pedialyte in the house. If he gets a stomach bug - the last thing you feel like doing is running to the grocery store.

Baby washcloths - I keep a gazillion around for bathtime, mealtime etc etc.

If he shows up with a pacifier - go to the store and get a few more of the same kind - it'll get lost.

Have fun shopping!!!!

Martha

[eightnotenough]

Congrat on your first placement, Still waiting for the call here.
Dont forget to get a camera for film for your camera, dont want to miss those pictures for the lifebook.


Lori

[pugsooie]

lainey,

I am so happy for you.

Me and my husband have no children of our own either so we were so nervous with our first placement. But the nervousness and excitedness is what makes placements so fun! I am getting two new placements today as well!!!

The pedialyte was a good suggestion, but I would get a bottle of Motrin and Tylenol also. They come in handy more then anything...with teething, fussiness, diarrhea, anything!!

Camera and film is also a good idea. I take pictures of all of my new placements the night I get them so that I make sure I have a photo memory of all of the little tykes...I keep a scrapbook of my foster's.

Hang in there and I'm sure you will get some long term keepers! We have only been fostering since January and the two we are getting tonight will make our 9th and 10th placements.

Also, I have made consignment and thrift shops my best friends. You can find some nice ones that have fairly new clothes that are cheap. A stroller would be a good investment. I just bought one this weekend that looks brand new for $25. Not bad if you ask me....

Good luck!!! and keep us posted!!!

[leaabc123]

no tear shampoo/conditioner
skin lotion
hair products (depending ethnicity and hair type)
some kid movies and some basic toys like big blocks and legos
a car seat
a baby monitor
good luck!

[pugsooie]

I got a baby monitor for $2 bucks at a garage sale!!! and I got a car seat for free from a friend who got two of them at her shower. I offered to pay and she said it was a gift!!

I also got my bassinet for free!!

Look for those discounts baby!!!

[sunnyandi13]

Chris and Lainey -
Congratulations!!! I am a foster/adopt with my first placement, so I can totally identify with what you're going through...

My suggestion - an "ear" thermometer. Trust me, it makes life so much simpler than having to poke them in the rear end or keep them from wiggling around while a thermometer is under their arm. The ones that you stick in the ear read in 30 seconds and don't hurt (you or them).

Good luck and best wishes for you all!!
SunnyAndi

[sfbaymom2000]

I'd get some plastic bowls and plates. The plates with dividers are great. Also plastic kid's untensils.

Good luck!

[tlc4kidz]

Gotta have books....board books, soft books, love the ones with touchy textures. Also couldn't live without a great fleece blanket. I have bought each fosterchild we've had one and sent it with them when (if) they left. That way they always had some transition item to make them feel more comfortable.

[L-A-J-C-R-C]

I forgot to say that only the 2 we're now adopting were supposed to be long term...the rest were only supposed to be here a month or less. The other 2 with us will be here a year in February so you never know.

Have fun, new placements are nerve wracking and exciting all at the same time.

Michelle

[stepforone]

I just wanted to point out that most drs. will say the ear thermometer isn't too accurate. Neither is the passifier thermometer.

[Kay-Ray1]

My daughter is two and it sounds like you have about everything you need. The Gerber Gratuates meals are lifesavers. And pick up foods.

I am so excited for you. I can't wait!!!

BTW when childproofing the house get on your knees and check kids can find all kinda stuff from down low!

[Kay-Ray1]

My daughter is two and it sounds like you have about everything you need. The Gerber Gratuates meals are lifesavers. And pick up foods.

I am so excited for you. I can't wait!!!

BTW when childproofing the house get on your knees and check kids can find all kinda stuff from down low!

[chrisandlainey]

Hi guys!
Thanks so much for all of your posts!!

You are all so helpful! This morning I read all of your posts, and made my shopping list and hit the dollar store, cvs, and thrift shop. I am set!
I just love this site.. I knew I could count on you all to help me out with this
I will post this weekend and let you know how our first few days go.
Thanks again!
Lainey