Having A Happy Halloween With Your Foster Children
October 5, 2018
First Time Foster Parent Shopping List
October 19, 2018
Choosing to foster an infant or toddler in your home is a big decision. Foster parents of little ones this small must prepare for their home and lives to dramatically change. If you and your spouse work, then arrangements must be made for childcare as well. Here are a few helpful tips for fostering an infant or toddler in your home.
Collect baby or toddler items.
Depending on your foster child’s age, you will want to have some baby or toddler toys on hand that are both educational and entertaining. If you have raised children before, you may approach fostering a young child with different expectations than those who haven’t. Make sure to have the basic needs met as far as a crib, car seat, clothing, bibs, and high chair. Look into a stroller for walks with your little one. If you purchase items second-hand, make sure to do your research to ensure that nothing has been recalled.
Keep your little one safe.
Once your little one is on the move, all bets are off! If you have a walker on your hands, it’s especially important to babyproof your home. Invest in baby gates wherever your child can enter unfriendly baby zones. Consider locking other items, such as cabinets, the refrigerator, toilets, or closets. Remember that the smaller the child the more supervision they require daily.
Arrange for childcare if necessary.
Whether you work full-time or simply want to plan the occasional date night out, you’ll have to arrange for childcare you can afford and trust. Find out what your state allows in terms of how old your babysitter must be and if you must use a licensed/registered day care. Have a sitter ready for when the foster child arrives, so that you can avoid missing work if possible. You may also consider hiring a “mother’s helper” so you can still get work done at home.
Plan for support.
Start communication with your partner early. Think about whom you trust and can rely on, if and when challenges arise. Seek out a foster parenting group so that you have a support system that understands what you are going through. Facebook has many groups available, and some may have local playdates that will also help you get out of the house if you plan to be at home with the child most of the time.
Plan for adjustments.
When inviting a new little person into your home, you will need time for adjustments. Consider the types of rules you’ll have in place for a young toddler. Start researching now on ways to re-direct toddlers when they aren’t behaving as they should. If the child is an infant, decide who will tend to feedings and diaper changes each night. Make a tentative schedule and take turns, so that you and your partner will also be able to get some sleep. Realize that there will be an adjustment period for your foster child to attach to you, your home, and any new routines. Remember to be patient and loving always.
While fostering an infant or toddler is a lot of work, it is also a rewarding experience knowing that you’ve provided love and care for a little one in need. By taking the time to prepare yourself physically and emotionally, you’ll be ready for anything — and to make the most out of your fostering experience.
Every child needs and deserves to grow up safe and protected from abuse and neglect, and caring foster parents offer children support and stability when they need it most. At Camelot Care Centers, we specialize in higher-level foster care for children and adolescents that need extra support. We partner with our foster parents/homes to provide trauma informed care and additional services, including in-home counseling, parent support and training, tele-psychiatry, and therapeutic mentoring, to maintain children at the least restrictive, yet most appropriate level of care. Camelot Care Centers (“Camelot”) is a Child Welfare Agency licensed by the State of Illinois, a member of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY), and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
