Foster Care Call #1
For those not reading behind the cut, I got a call for a foster placement today but the kids ended up not being taken into care. There is still a possibility that something might happen but not for another couple of weeks.
Today had me running around a little trying to get my van cleaned out and the seats put back in it. I had taken them all out when I moved but now they are all back in. I also was on my way to Walmart to pick up things that I needed.
Getting new kids is kind of a financial burden when they are young like that because obviously I am not prepared for little ones, with only my big girl in the house.
I also was looking on my local messageboard and I found some bargains.
I am going to get a pack and play and a booster seat. (I think the new law here is up to 80 lbs!) I got outlet covers and a doorknob cover for the downstairs door…I ran out of outlet covers earlier.
I also am looking for a toddler bed, although I have an extra full size bed here if I needed it. Oh, and I need a carseat.
Ok, so I am opening it up to you guys. If you could get called tomorrow for any kids ages birth to 12, what do you think you would need?
Obviously I have some stuff already but I wanted to make a list so I can stick it in my purse for yard sales/thrift stores (I can’t wait for there to be yard sales again..it is Bug and I’s favorite thing to do.)
Edited to add: Geo just pointed out that the title is kind of misleading. This is actually not my first call at all…just my first call after being relicensed. If you are new here, I’ve had seven short term foster kids so far, and of course I took care of Baby for the night. The short timers were 5, 3, and 8 months (only stayed a few days) 5, 2 and newborn (5 and 2 were only here a day or two and newborn stayed a week) and 9 year old Hermione who was here for about a week or two before she had to be admitted to the hospital.
Technorati Tags: foster care, parenting, baby stuff
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January 12th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Sorry, but I have no idea what I would need!
When I hear that kids should be in booster seats till they are 4foot9inches, I think I would have had to use one until I was 10 or older.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Hmmm…
Depending on the age, and bear in mind I’ve got no clue what a kid older than preschool would need, I’d get:
Car seat
crib/co-sleeper (I think the box-like objects that let you sleep safely with an infant look good, but we used a co-sleeper)
bottles/formula (bottle warmer is nice, but not necessary)
pacifiers?
a playpen is nice, especially if your house has more than one level
baby/toddler gates
extra bowls and toddler silverware (Goodwill seems to have a lot of those; I think I’d try there if we had to start over)
Lots of storage boxes with locking lids; if Bug has toys or other things that might be hazardous to a younger one, you can stash them in there when not being used.
That’s all I can think of off the top of my head - I’m certain I’ve forgotten something.
Oh yeah, I did - a carrier/sling is nice, but not vital. And good coffee for Mom.
Good luck!
January 12th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
I can only speak for babies, but definately a car seat, a pack and play is great, diapers, wipes, maybe some onesies or footed sleepers. Oh and bottles and formula. They eat, sleep, and poop. Cover those needs and anything else would be nice but not necessary.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
We never needed them around here, but if you had bed rails, they would make your full bed more multi-functional. Heck, even an older kid could get disoriented.
Also, I’d have a lot of night lights.
My son really enjoyed his little slide; we had it indoors.
Thomas the Tank Engine stuff goes for all ages and sexes. My son is 9 and still plays with his sometimes. Having a table is handy, but not necessary. Seems like the trains, track, and buildings would be easy to get at yard sales.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
After having a frontal lobotomy I would need:
Car seats
Sippy cups
blocks
A special gift for arrival that they get to keep forever (a doll or teddy bear)
A high chair or booster seat
plastic dishes
bath toys
tupperware
a wipe warmer
Tons of baby wipes (for any age, just to keep things clean)
An open mind and a warm heart.
These kids are lucky women like you are out there.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
The only other thing I would add is:
Clothing in every size for each sex - at least one outfit.
We picked these up at yard sales and thrift stores and started packing them away in tubs. If a kid is placed in an emergency you can give them a bath, new clothes something to eat and spend your time comforting them instead of waiting in line at the check out for a pair of 3T undies! LOL
January 13th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Do you know about Freecycle?
I signed up for it here. Amazing the things people have that they want to give away.
When Elcie first came to live with me, I made a flying run through all the thrift stores in one afternoon. By the time she arrived, I had enough clothing and toys to get through until I could do better.
January 13th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I would also add that instead of babyproofing every drawer and cupboard, you could reorganize a bit.
When my first kid came home, we had very little money and could not afford to babyproof every drawer and cupboard with good locks. So I switched around all the kitchen drawers and cupboards so that all my metal pots and plastic thingies were below the counter, and anything breakable/glass was above the counter.
All the choking type food like uncooked pasta went into one cupboard, locked, everything else unlocked.
All the rest of my kitchen stuff was divided into sharp or dull. Sharp was all stuffed into one locked cupboard/drawer, dull into the other ones.
Bathroom same thing. You probably already have medications locked up, but sometimes shampoo and makeup, hair elastics etc can be a problem. Lipstick on the bedspread anyone?
If you can’t find a really good high chair, look for a booster like the Safety First one that can double as a high chair. Cheap, cheerful, and it can come apart and go in a dishwasher easily, or be cleaned in a sink, without scrubbing little nooks and crannies.
For car seats, they seem to recall them every twenty minutes. Consumer Reports website has free up to date recalls and assessments along with info on how to get parts, etc. for all kid/baby equipment.
The other plan, if the BDH landlord doesn’t want you to put locks on some cupboards is one the Poison Center advocates; put meds, makeup etc into a fishing tackle box, and padlock it. Cheap and portable in case you need it.
January 13th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Maybe you can get all your fellow bloggers to send items they no longer need to you. You can get totes and label for sizes and of course a toy box.
I am sure if anyone had items not in use, they would be more than willing to share. Can you post in a store on bulletin board about the need for item for foster care children?
Anyway, I will keep my eyes open and look on our freecycle.
January 13th, 2007 at 4:26 am
Baby R was 4 months when he came to us and all that we really needed was crib, car seat, bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, blankets, enough clothes for a week and a few pj’s.
We then bought things as we found out we needed them. We also had the baby tub but I found this to be more of pain than help.
With Bug, maybe a book or two that she can read to little ones to help her feel part of it.
January 13th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I do daycare for infants and I would add an infant swing. Some babies just love the motion and as adorable and snuggly as they are, you can’t hold and rock them all the time. And maybe one of those vibrating, bouncer seats. Most everything can be found at yard sales and/or thrift stores.