What to Buy for a New Foster Child
If you have applied to become a foster parent and are waiting to hear more about your placement, then you might be wondering what you are going to need to purchase to prepare your home for the new arrival. It is important to make sure that you are providing your foster child with a safe, stable, and loving environment where they can heal and thrive from whatever may have happened during their past. While it can be difficult to know exactly what to buy until your foster child arrives and you have had the chance to get to know them a little bit better, there are a few basics you can buy ahead of time.
Furniture
Getting the right furniture is important. If you are fostering through an agency like thefca.co.uk, they will require that your foster child has a room of their own that will be their safe space to retreat to while they are living with you. If you have a general idea of the age of the child that you will be fostering, you will be able to purchase furniture such as a bed, desk, chair, bean bags, and other items to prepare their room and turn it into their own special space.
Comfort Items
Many foster children are in a difficult situation where they need to adjust to living in a new home and being around new people. It is understandable that they might not feel very safe or comfortable with you for the first few days, weeks, or even months as they settle in and get to know you. Comfort items that offer a sense of security like snuggly blankets, plush toys, and cuddly pillows are great for kids of any age.
Toys and Games
If you know your foster child’s age, you can start shopping for some age-appropriate toys, books, games, and other play and entertainment items for them. Providing them with activities that are both fun and educational will give your foster child a healthy outlet and something positive to focus on. For younger kids, jigsaw puzzles and art supplies are a great option, while older kids and teens might appreciate a gaming console or a small library of interesting books.
Personal Care Items
Stocking up your bathroom with personal care items for your foster child is also a good idea. If you are fostering a toddler or a baby, then be sure to buy bath products that are suitable for their age. For older kids, you may want to consider shower gels, moisturizing creams, hair care products, and their own designated towels and dressing gown.
Food and Snacks
While it can be hard to determine what to buy in terms of food, it is a good idea to have some variety of foods on hand for when your foster child arrives. Stock up on some healthy snacks that are unlikely to trigger any common allergies, although the foster agency will let you know if the child is allergic to any specific foods. After your child is settled in, you can make a shopping list together so you can be sure to stock up on foods they like.
While waiting for a foster placement, knowing what to buy is not always easy. But there are some basic things you can do in advance to prepare your home for welcoming a foster child. I hope this short list was helpful and I wish you and your foster child an easy transition into a loving future!
Are you already a foster parent? Please share any helpful tips or advice that you may have for any new foster parents or those who may be considering fostering.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
10 Comments
Jennifer
Great tips!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer!
xoxo
Shelbee
babychaser / mamasbrush
What a great list! I love to support the families in our church who are fostering and adopting! Someday I hope to be able to do it myself, but I know that support is so important for those who can. I just designed a personalized Christmas decoration for one familiy who has a new teen in their home. I wanted her to see her name among the family this Christmas to know that she belongs there. (I shared it in the TFT if you want to see it… and I’m here from there.)
Merry Christmas to you and all the family you have with you this year (wherever they are from!)
Blessings,
babychaser / mamasbrush
mamasbrush.wordpress.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much for this lovely comment! That is so wonderful that you support the families in your church who foster and adopt children. We do not foster any children as I don’t think I have the mental and emotional capacity to do it, but I am all about supporting those who are able to offer such a valuable service for children in need. I love that you have made a personalized decoration for the foster child you know to make her feel a part of the family. That is so important and I bet she really appreciates it. May your holiday season and all year long be filled with many blessings and much joy and happiness.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
What a great topic! I have so much admiration for people who open their homes to foster children. They provide an invaluable service for those children, and they make an immeasurable, lifelong contribution. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 43.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks you, Carol! I, too, appreciate those very special families who foster children and provide this much needed service. And I am sure that the holidays can have their own special challenges with new foster children. I hope you have a lovely holiday season filled with many blessings, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne Viola
This is a most helpful list and is sure to be a help to many. It will help not only those contemplating fostering but also for those who want to be a help to those families. So often it can be hard to think of everything but this will make it easier!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joanne! I really appreciate your feedback. I didn’t even think of how it is also a helpful list for anyone who wants to help and support friends or family members who have foster children or are preparing for that. I hope you have a blessed holiday season!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kimberly
Shelbee,
Great post! Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend. It has been chosen as a fave feature for this week’s link party that goes live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kimberly! I really appreciate that. I hope you have a lovely week!
xoxo
Shelbee