Buying For Your Adopted Child

by Shoshanna Grey | More from this Blogger

24 Jul 2006 08:23 AM

One of the biggest frustrations I always face after receiving a referral is the desire to buy things for that child. For me, preparing my home for our child is a way of claiming them as my own. However, the instability of the adoption process can make this difficult. Often you don't know when your child will be coming home and what size or age they will be when you finally bring them into your family forever. The practical thing to do would of course be to wait until you are only a few weeks away from your child's arrival and then buying everything then. However, that is not much fun and if you are like me you will find it is impossible - especially when walking through department stores with all of those adorable outfits hanging on the racks.

Here are a few things that I have decided to do in order to prepare for my child:

Furniture You could start by buying a crib and other nursery furniture if you know you are adopting a baby. Or, purchase a bed, desk, etc for an older child.

Toys and Books You probably know at least a vague idea of the child's age range, so you likely will be able to select toys and books that will be suitable for your child.

Child Proofing I felt a strange sense of satisfaction by working on child-proofing our home. I guess my philosophy was that if the house was safe for my baby, he might come home soon!

A Range of Sizes If you have an idea of what size your child will wear, you could purchase things in a range of sizes. This is especially a good idea if you find a good sale or if you know someone else who has kids in the same age-range who can use the items you purchased if you guess wrong.

Go Big If you find "the perfect outfit", but don't want it in three sizes, then my suggestion is go lean toward the larger size. Even if it takes your child six months at home to fit into the outfit, at least they will wear it eventually. That is so much better than having to give away adorable clothes that your child outgrows before they come home.

Learn more about Shoshanna Grey

Shoshanna Grey has worked as an occupational social worker, teacher, child care provider, customer service reqpresentative, college recruiter and several other positions over the years.

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