Necessary "Kid" Stuff
CaptainSerious
member
So, I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but sometimes I get overwhelmed thinking about all the "stuff" we'll need once we bring our child home--or even while we are in Peru waiting for the system to do its thing.
I know I have plenty of time, but I am a list person, and feel like I should at least be compiling a list of all the things we'll need so that when the time comes, it's a little less chaotic. It would also help us gauge expenses and get a feel for how to set up our child's room, etc.
I know there are lists for new parents, but with a toddler, I'm sure our list will be different. Obviously, we'll have to wait on clothes, because we won't know our child's gender, size, or age until we receive our referral. We also want our child to have a say in personalizing his/her room if if (s)he is old enough to, so we are thinking of making it inviting but fairly generic until after homecoming.
All that being said, does anyone know where I might be able to get a list of necessary kid stuff? Are there resources from which I could compile this type of information? What would you recommend?
Re: Necessary "Kid" Stuff
Thanks, everyone. Ranita, I'll check out your post. I find the idea of several different lists totally overwhelming, but it may be the only way to go.
Right now, our "child's room" has a full bed in it and two dressers. We're going to take one out, and replace it with the toy chest/bookshelf combo my dad made me as a child. The furniture is not kid-fun, but it will do until we have a better idea of how we'll decorate the room later.
We've considered is putting in bunk beds for two reasons: 1) we are open to a referral of two siblings; and 2) if our child has difficulty sleeping alone when (s)he first comes home, it will give us the opportunity to lay down in a separate bed in the same room until he/she is more comfortable.
Since we're expecting a child between the ages of 2 and 6, we're planning on having to get a car seat...but what kind/size may have to wait.
Other than that I know we'll need clothes, toys, books, bath/hygiene stuff. But what? I've bought a ton of books already--some on adoption topics, some bilingual Spanish/English. I don't know what else would be gender/age neutral.
Congratulations! How exciting!! I had the same question before we started fostering. All we knew was that we would have 1-2 children between 0-3 years old. I asked other foster parents and got some great suggestions. Here's my list of essential items. HTH!
2 cribs that convert to toddler beds
2 dressers
high chair or booster seat
pack-n-play
stroller
car seat
2 sheets for each crib
blankets
teddy bear
night light
infant nail clippers
hairbrush / comb
RID (foster children often come with lice)
Infant toothbrush & toothpaste
Tearless shampoo & body wash
Baby wipes
Size 2 & 4 diapers (friends gave me some in different sizes)
Sippy cups (both soft tip and hard tip)
4 oz bottle (in case not weaned yet)
children?s plate and bowl set
children?s silverware (I?d get plastic to start with)
baby Tylenol (in case of teething)
gender neutral clothes in different sizes
pajamas in different sizes
white socks
diaper bag
bath toys
board books
kid friendly foods ? for toddlers, I have Cheerios, baby goldfish crackers, oatmeal, canned fruit, gerber toddler foods, etc.
Let me know if you have any questions. It can be so overwhelming!this is a PERFECT list!
I'd also suggest running to a children's consignment shop and buying a few articles of clothing in various sizes in both genders. this was a blessing when get got our first baby.
What about a few stuffed animals so there is something cuddly waiting for them when they get home? Or a big bouncy ball, all kids like those. What about making a photo album of you and YH for your child to look through and get to know you a little bit better? Even include pictures of your last trip so there is a little bit of familiar in it. (or if you have any good pictures frame a few for the room, even if it is only temporary decoration.)
I am resisting buying everything that we might need right now and having a bag packed in case we get a last minute match, so I understand the need to be organized!
Oops...forgot waterproof mattress covers, bottle brush, baby monitor and baby gates
Ditto consignment shops! I also got tons of new and nearly new clothes at thrift stores and yard sales. I also checked craigslist for large baby items.