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Has anyone moved a 10 month old baby from foster care to an adoptive placement? I have done it with a toddler (2 1/2) and a couple of preschool kids. I am not sure what kind of transition an infant needs. He has been in the same foster home since birth. Any advice? Thanks!
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Well, you gave me some great encouragement and maybe I can help you out with transitioning an infant. I have not done it but I have had my infant since his release from the hospital and before we decided to adopt him, I spent some wide awake nights thinking about how he would react to having his whole world turned around. Babies need extra special consideration because they cannot be talked to or prepared for the incredible changes they are going to face. I imagined for my child that every sight, smell, voice everything familiar would abruptly change and that may be confusing and upsetting and frightening. I prayed that the adoptive parents would be able to put themselves in his shoes and accept that for a period of time, the child may have crying spells, disrupted sleeping patterns, maybe trouble eating, etc. I would ask the parents to give it time, do not feel rejected, that won't be healthy, the baby needs absolute unconditional love and support. The babies don't have a forum like we do, so be prepared for a bumpy ride and if the adjustment happens quickly, you are extra blessed but if it takes a while you are prepared. One last area of concern, if you are like me and have great family and friends nearby, the temptation to bring people around to share your joy will be overwhelming but just always keep the baby's perspective at the top of your list. A distinct advantage of adopting this age is they do have short memory so it won't take so long!Best Best wishes for your whole family!
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