[tlegan02]

My Husband & I have finished our Home study and are offically "waiting to receive" I have been working on a Baby Registry but have had some problems. We are open to either sex 0-2yr old. So I have been putting items for a 2 yr old on the registry. But what does a 2 yr old need? I have an idea but don't want to put items on thier that are to young. I know we may get a younger child but I will be able to add those things to the registry later.

What are some musts for a 2 yr old?

[tobeafamily]

As far as clothes, wait because children's sizes will vary!

Toys - think things like blocks, legos, Elmo, Wiggles. These things are pretty well universally loved by 2 year olds. Also anything they can pound - like the hammer-the-peg-through-the bench, and shape sorters. They also like pushing and pulling things - toy lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, etc.

As far as 'equipment' - may or may not be out of the crib. Most likely not yet potty trained though probably about ready. You'll need diaper changing supplies. May be helpful to have a potty chair and some 'materials' - books on potty training, videos. You'll still probably want a stroller as they sometimes still like to ride in them.

If you do get videos/DVDs, again I'd stick with the basics - Elmo, Wiggles - as they're universal - then figure out your child's preferences for other 'characters' later.

JMHO HTH best of luck.

Regina

[lamaroma]

Don't forget books!! My 2 year old is a huge Richard Scarry fan and I can't even think of trying to get him to sleep with out a story!! We also LOVE our Little Touch Leap Pad. Puzzles are also a favorite....

[crick]

Since you are adopting via foster care, I would recommend getting a range of things from zero-2 yrs. A lot of times the kids haven't been exposed to a lot of developmental toys, toys in general or just your basic "normal" care so a 2 year old might emotionally or developmentally actually be a bit younger. You might find that the items specified for the younger age is more suited to a 2 year old until you've had time to bond and they catch up to their chronological age.

I would also recommend babying a 2 year old more than you might with a bio child or child adopted from infancy because it's very possible they have not had the true "baby experience" in their young life. Bottles, more baby oriented toys that help with eye contact and interaction, etc. Things like potty training might likely to be out of the question for awhile, and not at the top of your list depending on where your child is at.

I know it's exciting and you can't wait to get to that registry but I would probably recommend just getting basic items on there for now and then once you receive an actual referral, update the registry specific to your child and his/her needs. Register for a convertible crib so if the child is ready for a bed, it's easily done, but if they still need a crib then you've got one.

Hope your wait is a short one!
Crick

[ajjhmf]

Crick is so right about being prepared for your child to be developmentally younger than their chronological age. My son was 4 when he came home, but in reality he was 2. It was very helpful for us to 'redo' those early stages with him.

Some good things to get would be blocks, board books, developmental toys, rattles, shape sorters and stackers. I would avoid videos and DVDs as they don't promote parent/child contact. I would also look into getting a sling or hip carrier so you can carry the child alot. Body to body contact will really help promote attachment. With J we did lots of snuggle time and hugs.

I'd put off potty training for a while. Even is they seem ready, there is alot they will go through initially and potty training will add to the stress. My son regressed back into diapers and it took another 6 months to actually train him.

I wanted to add that a good book to read for adopting a toddler is Toddler Adoption: The Weaver's Craft. It's excellent and helped us tons with J.

Blessings and Good Luck!
Jenny

[Lovebug]

Great recommendations here....just wanted to add that I hope your wait is short and sweet!!!!

--Renee

[sugarbabysmommy]

Wood shape puzzles are good (geometric, animals, vehicles), nesting boxes or buckets that can also stack, Little People toys (farm, zoo), xylophone or other music makers (without batteries so it's the kid who's active and not the toy!), Viking Toys makes great plastic vehicles in bright colors (easy for little hands and easy on your furniture), Tolo toys are terrific too esp their shape sorter toy that also makes animal sounds.

Board Books!!! In our house anything with a unny is very popular. We watch Bear in the Big Blue House, babe doesn't like the Wiggles (hip hip hurrah), and really doesn't care much about Elmo.

Some of the things above won't be available at babies r us, so you may have to keep an at home wish list on hand if anyone asks what they can get for you.

And even if a child comes to you potty trained I'd still have diapers and wipes on hand in case they regress a little with the stress of placement.

Good luck...

[ladybird1980]

I have a child who will be two in two weeks and a 2yrs plus 8months old child. They both love the little cars they can ride on or push. My son loves that he can make the car go with his feet and turn it any way he wants. Just recently he took it in the bedroom and put it on the bed and learned how to stand on it by balancing. The other thing they like is the swingset. My daughter asks all day if she can swing and if I will push her. My son likes the Megablocks for building. Of course they also love to stack canned vegetables, milk, etc. The little foam kids couches that they sell at walmart are nice too. Ours has Carebears on it we got it about a year and a half ago. It has been a wonderful investment. The kids love to sit on it and pretend to read books.

A toy that I looked up for you is the Fisher Price The Baby Playzone™ Stand-Up Ball Blast. I didn't know the name of it. This toy was wonderful for my daughter. She was a little behind developmentally and this toy really helped her. She loved the way the music would play when she pushed the buttons or put the ball in. It was also very sturdy so she pulled up on it to learn how to stand. We got it second hand for her 1st Birthday. It was good for her eye hand coordination too since she had to put the balls in. She would stand there bouncing up and down to the music. Ahh memories.

I wish you the best with your child that you will receive. It is a worth it journey.

[GCS]

A couple of things I would add to these great suggestions:

Sippy cups that adapt from the youngest user to older child (removeable plugs).

Plates and spoon/fork sets that are colorful and fun

A convertible crib and bedding. Change it to a toddler bed once they are out of the crib. Just fold back the bumper from the bedding. My 3 year old loved this. Used the bumper to hide his little treasures. He's 4 and still in the toddler bed. He will be in it until we move in June.

Baby Einstein DVDs. Our children were from Russia so learning the language was great, but even my 16 month old who has been here since she was only 5 months loves this and they help recognize letters and words.

Leap Pad stuff!!! The abc fridge magnet with letters taught both my babies their alphabet. The baby Tad sings popular nursery songs and helps learn colors and shapes.

You'll still need a stroller. Probably a booster chair. What about a little potty.

Bibs, bath stuff - lotions, soaps and toys of course, Towels.

Best of luck! I hope things move quickly for you!

Christina