International Adoption, I have the weirdest question

[Beauty]

I know this is weird but when you get your child do they have clothing with them? I mean when the workers hand you the child do they have anything of their own to bring with them or do they come with maybe a toy and the clothing they have on??

I'm sitting here researching packing for over 2 weeks and I think, I may have to pack clothes for her too. I may have to bring diapers, etc. I'm sure I can buy diapers and clothing but what did you bring for your child? I'm thinking bottles, wipes, a regular diaper bag full of things.

 

[Caradana]

Beth, I have no idea, but it's a terrific question. So in wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming trip and adoption, I'm bumping you back to the top!

 

[Beauty]

Thanks Dana! You know in all of the reading and all of the paperwork I have NEVER read anything concerning this.

We had our FBI fingerprints yesterday and that is it for the Dossier. Now we just have to wait for the 171 to come back from immigration and our Dossier will be on its way to China!

 

[eeyore kelly]

My Sister adopted from Brazil and her DS had very little as far as clothes or toys. I think one extra suit of clothes and maybe one toy

 

[chell]

A guy from work and his wife just adopted their 2nd daughter from China. When they went they took clothes for her and all of the other essentials you listed. Depending on where you are getting your daughter she may not have much of anything but the clothes on her back. Maybe a stuffed animal would be a good choice too. They also took some shoes for her.

How old is the girl you will be adopting? When they got their first daughter she was around 18 months old and when they brought her home they had to give her baby food. Her orphanage fed them some type of shake that was supposed to provide all their nutrients.

Their newest daughter had not even been outside (except for maybe going from the hospital to the orphanage) until they got her.

While they were gone we made them meals to heat and serve upon their return. We bought them quick meals such as sandwiches as well as various items they might need for the baby. We also bought something for the older daughter.

If I can think of anything else I'll let you know.

 

[Tantorini]

When we picked up our two sons from Russia in June we were required to change them into clothes we brought.

The orphanage didn't have extras to part with - so we stripped the boys in the office, dressed them in the clothes we brought and were on our way!

I imagine it's roughly the same for all adoptees... I'd be prepared with several outfits. As hard as it was for me.. I recommend function over fashion while traveling. (One piece outfits from gymboree, etc)

We were able to purchase diapers, formula etc in country..

However I would *strongly* advise you get some "Bibsters" - disposable bibs.. the best thing we brought! and Ziploc bags.. you will always have a use for them..

Chances are she'll be teething - so I'd bring a few teethers.. our boys really like wood ones.. (I know it sounds weird, but they are safe) they didn't really like plastic.

We had a blanket for each of them, and that was a lifesaver during the first few days/weeks when we were moving from location to location.. they knew when they saw their blanky that it was okay and it was consistent.

wow.. sorry I got so off topic! I just remember wondering what on earth I'd pack for these two little guys.. (btw, they were 10mos old)..

oh and of course Robeez shoes, then you don't have to worry about exact size.. shoes are hard to guess on.. but Robeez are *amazing*!

Congratulations and good luck!

 

[Twinprincesses]

My little brothers and sisters came with very little. I believe the escort had an extra outfit and a couple toys but that was it.

 

[tar heel]

Unless told differently by the orphanage, I would assume that your little girl will have nothing. A friend of mine has adopted two little girls from India. When she went to get the second one, she took boxes of clothes to give to the orphanage b/c she saw the children had nothing.

My dh's family has an India connection and last winter we made 100 or so fleece blankets to send to an orphanage there b/c some of the children didn't even have a blanket of their own. The blankets were wonderful and a local woman embroidered their names on them in Tamil (local language).

 

[Lil_Tink]

I would bring a little of everything just incase.. Good luck...

 

[Emmaline Lola]

.......and I came across this list on a china message board (it's long so be prepared!)
For Baby:
40 diapers (Wal-Marts are everywhere if you need more)
1 box of wipes (again - WalMart)
10-15 outfits (China has CUTE outfits and shoes CHEAP)
Baby Bath
Beach Ball (easy to pack and Mira loved it)
Baby kit (fingernail clippers, snot sucker, comb, etc.)
Disposable bibs (Bibsters - very convenient)
4-5 Regular Bibs
Cheerios
Bath towel
4 washcloths (threw away after a few uses)
Toys (stacking cups, rattle toys, chew toys, etc.)
6-8 pairs of socks
3 Bottles
Bottle Washer
Dishwashing Liquid (Put Bottle in a ziploc bag)
Ziploc bags (Freezer size holds anything)
Bathing Suit
Tissues
Infant Tylenol, Gas Drops, Benadryl, Orajel, Laxative Drops.

For adults:
Comfort Foods (Trail Mix, Chocolate, crackers)
5 pairs of pants or shorts or combo (check weather)
8 shirts
underwear for everyday (lol)
adaptor
(I didn't take shampoo or hair dryer because all hotels have them)
Cold medicine, aspirin, immodium, sleeping aids

I second the Bibsters (disposable bibs) by a pp. MY 9 month old uses them when we are out for meals. It saves having to carry a dirty bib around with you after she eats!

I've also heard, that if you can get your pediatrician to write you a powdered form of antibiotic, that is great to bring, because the babies usually have some sickness or get sick shortly after "gotcha day".

COngratulations! And best of luck!

el

 

[marlasmom]

I am so surprised that there is a Walmart. Do you know that for sure? If so, you're ok. Otherwise I'd bring EVERYTHING. You don't need a lot of toys - if she's 4 months or younger she won't pay much attention, if any. But clothes, diapers, blankets - what about formula? Also bottles - are there disposable bottles now? How long will you be in China with her and how much travel time with her? Take a trip through Target or BabiesRUs or even Walmart and make a list.

IT IS SO MUCH FUN SHOPPING FOR A LITTLE GIR.

 

[happybratpack]

Hi Beth

I met a family who picked up their son about a month ago from the same orphanage Lily is at. Basically their China coordinator told them that he would wear any outfit when he met them and for them to please bring an outfit to give to the orphange in exchange for them taking his clothes. They had sent him a care package and the caregivers had returned the stuffed animal, photo album and blanket that they had sent in the care package. This apparently really helped him with readjusting since he had gotten used to their photos, and then had the bear/blanket that he was familiar with when he started on his new life.

I sent Lily a care package a couple weeks ago through www.blessedkids.com, she is SUPER nice to work with. Once you get your referral you should be able to send a care package to your daughter as well. With it I sent a translated letter for the Director stating what I was sending and why and also a list of questions that hopefully will come answered when I pick her up.

Wow, I'm rambling, sorry. Back to the actual subject...I did hear from a couple families that had Gotcha Day in the winter that since the kids had tons of layers on a couple layers were taken off and left for the Institute. I've been collecting clothing as I've seen stuff on clearance and sales to take in a separate bag that I can just hand over as an orphanage donation when I go.

Stopping my adoption talking now...I'll go on all day. I've found several Yahoo groups that have been GREAT for info as well.

I know this is weird but when you get your child do they have clothing with them? I mean when the workers hand you the child do they have anything of their own to bring with them or do they come with maybe a toy and the clothing they have on??

I'm sitting here researching packing for over 2 weeks and I think, I may have to pack clothes for her too. I may have to bring diapers, etc. I'm sure I can buy diapers and clothing but what did you bring for your child? I'm thinking bottles, wipes, a regular diaper bag full of things.

 

[happybratpack]

Oh - (see, I didn't stop talking afterall)...I hear the multi-story Walmarts are quite the experience, I can't wait. I've seen a lot of the clothes/shoes that have been bought in Guangzhou during the last leg of the trip, SOOO cute and super cheap. I can't wait.

I've read to bring diapers from here...that even though you can buy them everywhere there the quality is not the same.

 

[mickeyfan2]

You only get your child and nothing else. Everybody that I know took a suitcase full of clothes, diaper, toys - everything that they would need for thier new son/daughter.

 

[figment52]

Oh - (see, I didn't stop talking afterall)...I hear the multi-story Walmarts are quite the experience, I can't wait. I've seen a lot of the clothes/shoes that have been bought in Guangzhou during the last leg of the trip, SOOO cute and super cheap. I can't wait.

I've read to bring diapers from here...that even though you can buy them everywhere there the quality is not the same.

I have been on both of my sister's adoption trips and never saw a WallMart there. We went to Chongqing for both trips. It is one the the 5 largest cities in China. We did have a department store close (about two bocks away, to get supplies and clothes). I would bring diapers for the legnth of the trip. American Diapers are hard to find and expensive if you find them. The only clothes you receive are the ones they are wearing.

Shopping in Guangzhou is convenient (right outside the door if you stay at the White Swan) but that is thelast few days of your trip. I second the functionality of the clothes and the comfort of the baby.

 

[delilah]

Our son was escorted from Korea to the Detroit airport. He is now nearly 8, and we adopted him when he was 6 mos, so, I am a little vague on what came with him. As I recall he came with the clothes on his back (a onesie and shorts), 1 or 2 disposable diapers, a change of clothes, still in the wrapper, two pair of socks, a pair of Korean rubber shoes, two bottles, a little container of baby powder, a pacifier and the shoulder baby carrier. All of these, including the diapers, are in our souvenir box from his homecoming. We brought clothes from home, of course, and Detroit is only about a 6 hour drive from home.

 

[chell]

Do you pack all this stuff in your suitcases or do you ship it ahead to your hotel? I'm just curious how you gt all that stuff over there.

 

[Beauty]

Michelle thats a good question, as we have never flown before I'm not familiar at all with how many suitcases you can bring but with the traveling I want to keep it as light as possilbe. I suppose I could fit most of the list and clothing into a duffle bag for her. I do plan on buying some clothing and souveniers for her room while in China, also squeeky shoes in many different sizes for her to grow into.

 

[Cindyluwho]

I wanted to add something that I've read on another adoption message board. Because the food on the plain, etc will be so very different from what they are used to in the orphanage, stomach upset and all that comes with it should be expected. Lots of diapers, several changes of clothes, plastic bags for soiled clothes will be needed.

Also, don't forget to take extra new clothes, toys, $$, etc for the orphanage, it is really appreciated. I was able to visit some orphanages when I traveled to the Belarus (Chernobyl area) last year. It's a life changing experience and I feel lucky to have gone.

One more thing, I know it's stressful, but don't forget to have fun while you're there!

 

[gina2000]

Beth, I have a friend who adopted a 3 year old from Siberia about 8 years ago. She had nothing. They even took her toy away from her when she left. My friend had to bring everything imaginable to clothe and feed her child. Also, she was given a list of things she had to bring with her to donate to the orphanage. Medical supplies were mainly what they asked for although things like coffee were also on the list. Her church ran a drive in order to collect the things she needed to bring. She boxed and mailed some of the things requested and brought some of the things with her.

Expect to receive nothing. And expect to be asked to bring a donation of things that we take for granted.