What can I buy now re:fostering

mandykatie

I know it's too soon, and could be a waste of money, but I want to shop.  Are there any pieces of clothing/furniture/etc that I can buy this early in the process?  I found a Tar.get GC (yay) and spent it on 3T boys jammies, 12 mo sleeper, NB onesies, and XS girls jammies.  I just couldn't help myself. 

ctbride08

clothing was my first and early purchase as well   though, to be honest, none of it went to use.  oh well.

I think the best thing to get started on is the room and all that goes with (beds/cribs/decorations/books/ect).

did they ever reschedule that meeting for you?  how fustrating that no one showed!!

butterflygrooves

I second CT, furnishing the room is a good investment.  We also bought clothes as our first purchase and still haven't used any of it.

We bought bunkbeds since we hoped for a little girl that could share a room with A, a crib/mattress, and a dresser.

JoySeattle

I'm not an expert as ct and butterfly, but I'd agree on the room. Another thing you may also want to consider is looking into consignment stores, rummage sales, craigslist, etc. I'm on a some mailing lists for sales/shops and often get updates for upcoming events. We have a local families of multiples group that has two huge sales per year and there are tons of baby items, clothes etc. These have made me realize that you can get tons of onesies, swaddle blankets, etc in multiple colors, sizes, etc for very cheap (less than 1$ for onesies in great condition, good name brands). So something to check out.

mandykatie

ctbride08:

clothing was my first and early purchase as well   though, to be honest, none of it went to use.  oh well.

I think the best thing to get started on is the room and all that goes with (beds/cribs/decorations/books/ect).

did they ever reschedule that meeting for you?  how fustrating that no one showed!!

Nobody rescheduled the orientation because nobody knew we were ever there!  There was no RSVP and there's no contact info on their website.  What a crock.  So we're just planning on going to the one from DCS in a couple weeks.  Thanks for the info!  Do you want to see the crib I picked out?  (We already have a twin).

mandykatie

butterflygrooves:

I second CT, furnishing the room is a good investment.  We also bought clothes as our first purchase and still haven't used any of it.

We bought bunkbeds since we hoped for a little girl that could share a room with A, a crib/mattress, and a dresser.

I'd love to be able to use bunk beds, but our larger bedroom isn't large enough.  My brother and I had them when we were really little and I LOVED it!

mandykatie

JoySeattle:

I'm not an expert as ct and butterfly, but I'd agree on the room. Another thing you may also want to consider is looking into consignment stores, rummage sales, craigslist, etc. I'm on a some mailing lists for sales/shops and often get updates for upcoming events. We have a local families of multiples group that has two huge sales per year and there are tons of baby items, clothes etc. These have made me realize that you can get tons of onesies, swaddle blankets, etc in multiple colors, sizes, etc for very cheap (less than 1$ for onesies in great condition, good name brands). So something to check out.

Thanks, good idea!  I've always wanted to go to these, but I think you have to actually be a parent... but maybe as a prospective foster parent I could go?  I'll find out, because that would be the way to go!!  

ctbride08

mandykatie:

ctbride08:

clothing was my first and early purchase as well   though, to be honest, none of it went to use.  oh well.

I think the best thing to get started on is the room and all that goes with (beds/cribs/decorations/books/ect).

did they ever reschedule that meeting for you?  how fustrating that no one showed!!

Nobody rescheduled the orientation because nobody knew we were ever there!  There was no RSVP and there's no contact info on their website.  What a crock.  So we're just planning on going to the one from DCS in a couple weeks.  Thanks for the info!  Do you want to see the crib I picked out? [:D] (We already have a twin).

yes!!

mandykatie

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Mod-Modena-2-in-1-Crib-Cool-Grey/15529734

I couldn't get the pic to post for some reason...  I love this crib!

ctbride08

very nice!!

butterflygrooves

mandykatie:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Mod-Modena-2-in-1-Crib-Cool-Grey/15529734

I couldn't get the pic to post for some reason...  I love this crib!

Nice!

If you plan to cloth diaper you could also start getting that stuff.

mandykatie

butterflygrooves:

mandykatie:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Mod-Modena-2-in-1-Crib-Cool-Grey/15529734

I couldn't get the pic to post for some reason...  I love this crib!

Nice!

If you plan to cloth diaper you could also start getting that stuff.

I would *love* to, but from my research I think we'll end up doing  a trial.  It just seems like there are so many sizing issues!

EratMama

My general advice is to buy things that either you *know* you will use (like they are good for any age) or that you are ok if you spend the money and never use. 

Crib that converts to toddler bed is good, gender neutral bedding (GN toddler bedding is hard to find), curtains, room dec, rocker, dresser, shelves....  I recommend a changing pad on top of a dresser. 

Rummage sales are good.  I had a mom-of-3 friend who had a huge rummage sale.  She gave me first dibs and I literally filled my trunk with clothes, toys, a walker for $50.  We haven't used any of the girl clothes (and may never will...) but it was still way worth it.  

Rubbermaid bins are a great investment for foster parents.  I have bins in the basement for each size.  We got the call for pumpkin--just pulled it up & it was ready to go.  (I washed all the stuff ahead of time that I knew we were keeping.  I have some stuff for seasons ahead--like a winter coat for next year--80% off--that I just kept in the bag with the receipt, so I can return it if needed.)  

One of my favorite topics!  Have fun!!!