Help with what we need to buy before the call!

cindynscott

We have finished mapp class on Saturday and we get our finger prints done on Tuesday. I just read a post about being nervous that you get a call and dont have everything you need, this is my fear. 

Does anyone have a list or suggestions on what to have here ready.  I was told when they come to do the homestudy they want to see we have what we will need for the child if we get a call.  We are fostering 0-5 boy or girl. Do you have to have the room ready also we dont know what we should be buying.  Its a lot to take in and i may be over thinking but if you dont know what age you might have what do you have in the room? we have a full bed in there should we get rid of that. Any help would be great. 

Thanks so much.

lilmufish

Congrats on finishing your MAPP classes! That's so exciting! We're two weeks way, i'm itching to be finished with them!!  We are the same ages as you, which makes it difficult to plan.

We're in the process of doing our home study right now...and we're about halfway done with each room. We have a crib in one room (that will be the nursery) and we'll have two twin beds in the other room.  In the Nursery, even though it's not decorated we have a swing, and some baby onzies a few in each size. For the kids room, even though my computer / office stuff is still in there, we do have *some* toys (legos, books, craft box) but we're still adding to it. 

We have two big lists of things we "need" and things we "want"  and we are slowly buying items off that list each week. What we did, was ask a bunch of friends (who have kids) what do you have for your baby,toddler, young child, that you couldn't deal with out or what's been helpful and we've added it to a big list. That way when we see that item on sale or deeply discounted we buy it.  

I think, the social workers are looking that you will be somewhat prepared - so  having some baby or kid items... I don't think it's a requirement to have EVERYTHING. 

Good luck!

 

sunnybrook.

Congrats on becoming a foster parent!! Its an incredible journey!

We foster boys & girls ages 0-3. The only thing you must have set up in the room are cribs/beds and a dresser for each child. We also had purchased an infant bath, pack-n-play, exersaucer, bouncy seat, booster chair, infant car seat, convertible car seat, and clothes. The caseworker never asked to see anything but the furniture and blankets. My DH sometimes works at night. I was overprepared b/c I didn't want to be alone when a child arrived in the middle of the night only to discover that we needed something. Here's the list of things I bought:

 

infant nail clippers
baby body wash/shampoo
stage one toothbrushes
fluoride free toothpaste
diapers - size 2 & 4
changing pads
baby wipes
baby brush/comb set
2 sheets for each crib/bed
mattress protectors ? 2 for each crib/bed
blankets
pillows and pillowcases
a couple 4 oz bottles
a couple sippy cups
gender neutral clothes in different sizes ? I stuck with onesies and shorts/sweats and t-shirts. Things that would be comfie for them to sleep in.
Nightlights
Bath toys
Child friendly foods - You may want to have a few foods most children love. All of our little ones came late at night and were starving (e.g. mac&cheese, chicken fingers, oatmeal, cheerios, goldfish crackers)
Childrens/Infant Tylenol ? We?ve had children arrive with injuries and some who were teething.
A lovey for each bed ? We bought soft teddy bears that we give to the children when they arrive. They all have arrived with nothing but the clothes on their backs, so they clung to those teddys like you wouldn?t believe. My little one has been here 1 year and still sleeps with his every night.

 HTH!

cindynscott

Thanks so much this is really helpful.  I called my sister in law and she has a lot to give us and friends of our do as well.  Thank for the idea and the list of item will be helpful..just what I was looking  for!