Foster Mamas....

Re: Foster Mamas....

• carolinasunshine

  July 2013

  I am not in your shoes yet but it sounds like you are on the right track! 

   

  As far as AA hair I have often wondered the same thing. Researching and prepping myself for adoption I came across this site: https://www.chocolatehairvanillacare.com/ Also youtube has a lot of great tutorials! I found this one helpful https://youtu.be/87NvfbZPB8U

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• elissaann26 member

  July 2013

  I would recommend for you to check out local daycares (if you will need to use them).  We had 6 centers that we were comfortable using and were able to call when we got a placement to see if they had openings in the ages we needed.  I would also find a pediatrician in your area that takes Medicaid and that you would feel comfortable using.  And if you are willing to accept a school age child, I would investigate schools in your area and know your options for before/after care (if you need it).

  I would try to have 1 or 2 gender neutral outfits in every size for the ages you are accepting.  That way if the child comes with no clothes, you can dress them to take them shopping.

  Here is my advice for AA hair.  You need to have shampoo that would be appropriate for their hair.  For babies and toddlers I would just use a gentle baby shampoo (Johnson and Johnson or Aveeno).  For older children (maybe two and older) we used an olive oil shampoo (we bought it at Target).  It cleans their hair but leaves the oil in their hair to help moisturize it.   We wash AA hair 2-3 times a week at most.  If you wash it every day then it will completely dry it out.  Some hair should only be washed once a week or even every two weeks.  You will need to use other products in their hair to keep it moisturized and properly styled (not super frizzy) but those products are more specific to the grade of hair.  It is harder to recommend a generic product for all grades of hair since they have different needs.

  I would recommend finding some support in the AA community.  Prior to fostering we had some AA friends who we trusted, but we have also opened up to coworkers and acquaintances to ask for their help/advice for properly caring for hair and skin.  These have been our best resources as they can offer advice specific to the grade of hair.

  Also, you need to have some serious lotion since most AA skin is very dry.  Butter Bean's skin is super dry so we actually use Honest (brand available online only) Body Oil.  My skin is actually super dry so I use it now too!  But Aveeno makes a great thick lotion that even works on eczema that would be great to have on hand.

  I highly recommend using the website listed above!  Great advice!
  

  
  

  My blog: Redhead in Raleigh
  

  Report0 Reply
• mysticl member

  July 2013

  I used to work for a foster care agency.  Some of our AA parents were willing to give hair and skin care lessons to their fellow foster parents.  So were our staff members.  

  Report0 Reply
• IdigDirt member

  July 2013

  We are still filling out forms so we have a while to wait before placement. We are hoping for 2-4 so we have clothes from newborn -3T from our son but I will buy some 4T at some point just in case. Not like it won't get used by my son eventually if the kid doesn't need it. I was planning on just getting a few outfits and then taking them shopping based on what we don't have if they are bigger than 3T. I didn't even think of getting a car seat but I guess I should start looking into those things and I don't know if I should get a toddler bed or a crib. I really don't mind spending money on all these things but just curious for the car seat and bed, do you get reimbursed for that, is that part of the board fee? I am hoping to adopt so I don't mind spending my own money at all I am just new to the process and don't know how things work.

  I have also warned my friend/coworker who is AA that I will probably come crying to her when I can't figure out how to care for his hair.
  

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• mysticl member

  July 2013

  Payment for the carseat and crib/bed depends on your agency.  Some will say that's what the board fee is for.  My agency would sometimes loan the family a carseat and or pack and play especially if it was an emergency placement and the family didn't have baby stuff.  Keep in mind that carseats expire so getting one too far in advance could limit the time you actually get to use it.  

  Report0 Reply
• mtendere member

  July 2013

  We are just starting the process, so you know more than me for the most part, but for us, the room has to have beds for our age group set up and ready to go before we are approved. We are looking at a similar age range as you are and will need a crib and either a toddler bed or twin set up. I'd like to do a twin since it's more versatile, but space may dictate that we start out with a toddler bed that can be easily removed or switched out depending on later needs. We already have a crib from our daughter. If I'd known we were going to go this route I would have never bought sure a huge and heavy crib, though! At least it's pretty :.
  
  If you get a good convertible carseat, it will likely serve you for any child you may receive. You can just install it properly based on your placement. Then if you end up with a wee infant, you can get an infant carrier later. They can still ride in most convertible car seats rear facing, it's just easier to deal with the infant carriers for littles. Just make sure anything you get is not recalled cribs or expired carseats if you borrow/buy used items.
  
  Can't wait to hear more about your experiences!

  ***************************** Our beautiful daughter was born in October 2009. Turns out she was quite the miracle. After two years of TTC, diagnosed with DOR. A couple of failed treatment cycles later, we decided to let go of our hope for more biological children and explore adoption.

  Report0 Reply