[esnyder]

I'm looking for those of you who have traveled to see your baby before adoption. How easy was the process to actually get your baby? Did you get around fairly well. I'm guessing that those of you who were there for more than a few days needed to venture out of your hotel room. Did you bring a stroller or carrier with you. I will get the oppurtunity to do this when the time comes...I'm a little worried about having a little baby and not having my usual surroundings/comforts of home to help out. Is the hotel within walking distance of simple conveniences like diapers, formula? Thanks. Erik

[kandesmurphy]

I believe, most agencies are the same in terms of getting the baby - the foster mother brings him to you at the hotel. Either a stroller or carrier are useful for meal time at least, especially if your baby is too young to sit in a high chair. Our agency doesn't let us leave the hotel with the baby and yes, you do get a little bit of cabin fever. Most hotels have stores near enough to walk to, but you can also ask the conceirge and he/she can order supplies from the pharmacy for you.
Good luck.
Kathy

[Rhody]

Some of the hotels sell baby items. The one we stayed at was close to a small convenience store, so my husband went there a few times. The hotel staff was also willing to run errands as well.
We were not allowed to leave the hotel with the baby, and I think most agencies/lawyers do that, espeically now.
I brought a lot of items with us (we were there four days). Diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, lotion, diaper rash creame, bottles, etc. The foster mom also brought clothes, diapers, formula, etc, which I think is pretty common. If she hadn't we planned on buying formula in the city. We did buy baby food there.
We didn't brng a stroller, but the hotel had one we could use. It did come in very handy. When we went for pickup we brought a Baby Bjorn, which was also very helpful.
Many of the bigger hotels also have baby lounges that have all the items you need for preparing bottles, etc.
I highly recommend visiting. We had a wonderful time, and really got to know our son, which helped at pickup. It is hard to leave, but we are so glad we had the time we did with him.
Good luck.

NancyI

[Larue]

Like the other posters, our agency does not allow us to leave the hotel with the baby. We brought a Baby Bjorn carrier, and rented a stroller from the hotel, which especially came in handy during meal times so that we did not have to hold Sabrina in our laps and try to eat at the same time. Also we spent a lot of time at the pool, which helps with the cabin fever.

Have a great visit trip