How to Prepare for the Arrival of Your Adopted Child Bringing your adopted child home marks a joyous and life-changing shift in your family. Because of how significant this transition is, it is important to take steps to prepare for your child's arrival ahead of time. Doing so can minimize stress and maximize your ability to enjoy and bond with your new child. Following are a few of the ways in which you can prepare to welcome your adopted child home.

Gather as much information as you can. One way to prepare for the arrival of your adopted child is to learn what you can about them as you can beforehand. In open adoptions and older child adoption, you will have access to background information about your child. This information can include everything from information about their parents to their medical histories. Even if you are pursuing international adoption, your adoption agency may be

able to give you some information regarding your child's experience within the orphanage. All of the information you receive can help you to know how to support your child once they are home with you. For instance, your child's foster parents may be able to tell you what soothes your adopted child, so you can comfort them yourself. Understanding their medical history can help you to make more informed decisions regarding their healthcare. By knowing how to make your child feel safe and comfortable, you can more easily reassure them that they have a safe and loving forever family with you. Babyproof your home.

If you are pursuing an infant domestic adoption or the adoption of a young child, you will need to make sure that your home is safe for them to explore. Even preschoolers may not necessarily have been taught not to put small objects in their mouths or not to investigate power outlets. As a result, until you are sure of your young child's knowledge and ability, you should err on the side of caution when safeguarding your home.

Ways you can babyproof your home include covering electrical sockets, putting medicine and cleaning supplies up high, adding doorknob covers, moving fragile items out of the way, and bolting heavy furniture to the walls. Preparing ahead of time will save you the hassle (and danger) of having to take babyproofing steps as your child explores your home. Your adoption social worker or adoption agency may be able to give you more tips about how to make your home safe and comfortable for your adopted child. Make practical arrangements ahead of time. There are many practical arrangements that must be made whenever a child joins a family, either through birth or through adoption. For instance, the new child must be added to the parents' insurance plan. In addition, parents must have childcare in place if they both plan to go back to work, and they must have a pediatrician lined up for those first well check visits. These may seem like mundane tasks, but if you wait until after your child is home with you to do them, they may interfere with the time you need to spend bonding with your child. In addition, if left undone, they can cost you in time, money, and stress, as you scramble to find a sitter or pay out of pocket for medical bills that should have been covered by insurance. As a result, by getting these practical details out of the way early, you will be better able to focus on welcoming and bonding with your child once they arrive. Establish a support network. A support network is vital for all families considering adoption. If you do not already have a support system in place, getting one established before your child comes home should be a priority. There are many ways in which this network can help you and your adopted child to successfully settle in as a forever family. For instance, friends,

family, and religious communities can provide meals or clean your home so you have more time to spend with your adopted child. An adoption support group can connect you with other adoptive families who understand what adoption is like and who can offer you encouragement, tips, and a listening ear. Your adoption agency should offer post-adoption services (such as counseling, information, connection with support groups) that can help you manage specific challenges you find yourself facing. This support network will provide you with the emotional and practical help you need to more smoothly navigate the transition period after your child arrives. Be prepared for a transition period.

Every time a child is added to a family, either by birth or by adoption, there is a transition period that the family must navigate as they settle into new routines and patterns. While you may not be able to predict exactly what this transition period will be like, you can prepare for it in a number of ways. For instance, you can start by accepting the fact

that the transition period will have its challenges, and that that is ok. When you know that you may face challenges, you will be less stressed and anxious when they occur. In addition, you can try to anticipate certain issues and prepare for them. For instance, by lining up meals and cleaning help, you can free up time to rest if your newborn does not sleep, or bond with your older child who needs reassurance. Preparing for the arrival of your adopted child can make your transition period go more smoothly and allow you to maximize time with your child. By gathering as much information as possible, baby proofing your home, making practical arrangements ahead of time, establishing a support network, and preparing for a transition period, you can be as ready as possible to welcome your child home.