What do I need for babies ages 1, 2 & 3 they are foster babies and coming tonight, we're not prepared! HELP!!!

Question

Ok, my husband and I are foster parents and usually take older (elm-middle school) kids, but we were called this morning with an emergency placement of 3 siblings... girls are 1 and 3 and a boy that's 2.
We don't have ANYTHING baby related nor have we ever had babies of our own so I have a few "dumb" questions. CPS will be there to help, but I don't want to be unprepared or seem incompetent! I guess the main things I need to know are...
* what size/types of car seats (how old do kids need to be to not use one or to face forward ect?)
* Food- what can they/can't they eat at their age? Formula, bottles? or cups? baby food? ahh! hehe!
* what size clothes and shoes?
* What size diapers, do we need a baby potty?
* safe toys they can all share?
* Cribs, playpens, sleeping arrangements?
* anything else you think we need to know!!

Don't get me wrong, we'll take excellent care of them and do all the research we need to, but I've only got a few hours to run to Wal-Mart and get the essentials!

Answer 1

wow!!

All can face forward in car seats. the seats will have weight limits on them pick them out that way. all can eat table food but the one year old can probably still eat some baby foods. clothes size depends on the childs size i would say from 12months to probably 3T. they 3 year old might be potty training so a potty or smaller potty seat would be a good idea. you will have to check the laws for foster children of different sexs sharing a room. diapers probabyl beteween size 3 and 5 depends on how big the kids are. hope this helped a bit, its hard to tell.

Answer 2

1) all 3 children need the forward facing car seats. The 3 year old may even be big enough to be in a high back booster. It just depends on height and weight.



2) none of them should be on formula. At 1, they start drinking whole milk. I would suggest using sippy cups for all of them. The youngest will probably benefit from the Gerber toddler meals, but the others can all do "regular" food. Don't forget to pick up some toddler utensils. I even like using the plates with the dividers. Its not a necessity though.



3) clothes and shoes just depend on the child. Generally speaking, they should be in the size of their age. 12 months, 2T, and 3T. Some children are larger and need a bigger size, there's just no way to know for sure until you meet them.



4) Diapers, again, are based on weight. I would assume a size 4 would work fine for the two younger ones and maybe a 5 for the oldest. A potty chair would be a great idea, especially if the oldest has already been working on potty training or is already potty trained. Don't forget to pick up some baby wipes!



5) just typical age appropriate toys are fine. Learning ones are the best in my opinion. I'm sure the girls would like a baby doll and the boy would probably enjoy a "spiderman" toy or something like that just for fun.



6) Beds? Hmmmm..... You could get playpens for money saving, but the oldest will probably just want a regular bed. No need to buy a toddler bed.



Other than that, I'm sure you'll do fine. You'll just get the hang of it as you go. Bless your heart! This is so sweet what you and your husband are doing. CPS will offer tons of help and advise, so don't feel silly for asking. In fact, I would contact them PRIOR to buying a lot of stuff to see if they offer any assistance with this type of thing. Perhaps the kids already have some or most of the essentials. Good luck and God Bless!!!

Answer 3

Everyone has it covered, except that the car seats . . . children should face the rear until they are one year and 20 pounds. So if the one year old is not 20 pounds, she will need to face backwards, but there are carseats that you can get the will go front and rear facing. They are called convertible seats. The three year old should be at least 40 pounds before going with a booster seat and seat belt.



You are probably fine with getting two toddler/convertible seats and a booster seat with a 5 point harness for the 3 year old. Make sure you get 5 point harness on them all, this is the safest bet.



Take them to the fire station to get installed properly. (Call and find one that does car seat checks.) It is free and makes them perfectly safe.



I would go to a second hand store speciallizing in baby/child items and ask them what they recommend. (Don't get the car seats there, that is terribly unsafe!) I would suggest getting either a play pen or a crib for the baby and a toddler bed for the little boy and older girl.



Clothes and shoes, that is tough to say. Diapers, as a general rule, size 4 is a good bet for the one year old. As for the other two, get a larger size for the two year old, and pull ups for the three year old.



If you are extremely lucky, find someone in the baby section or second hand store and ask for help.



Grab a few bottles, some sippy cups, and a great toy if you can find them is blocks.



Baby food, usually the one year old will be off of it by now.



Good luck! (go to craigslist in your area as a resource for items and freecycle.org) Both can help out a

lot!



You might want to pick up a fun kids movie or two as well.

Answer 4

All the kids need front facing child seats..just ask at the shop



food and drink- the 1 year old may be having a couple of bottles of formula a day, but mainly will et whatever you do,as long as its not got too much salt/sugar etc in it, but may need it chopped up into small pieces. The 2 and 3 year old can eat whatever you do.



Size clothes and shoes- easy: age 12-18 months for the 1 year old.age 2-3 for the 2 yr old, and age 3-4 for the 3 yr old.



With the shoes, you cant guess, just take them to the shoe shop tomorrow and get their feet measured and buy them accordingly

Diapers- the 1 year old will definately need them..do you have any friends that have babies the same age?? ask them what size they use for their baby! The 2 and 3 year olds may not need them, but its best just to buy a large pack of diapers just in case...and YES a potty is a good idea.



Beds- the 1 year old will need a cot, but the 2 and 3 year olds will just need beds.



Toys- the 1 year old will like things like bricks/large plastic cars, which the others can play with, but its best to get a few toys for them each individually



GOOD LUCK< AND WELL DONE!!! Its lovely to know that you will take care of children that need a good home!

Answer 5

For the one year old, Toys that are brightly colored and that make noise, Cltohes between 12-18 months for the size. Food try gerber lil entrees. they are pretty easy for kids that age thats what my daughter ate. Diapers are about a 3-4 and a crib or play pen that they cant crawl out of. A carseat that is foward facing is fine now. and get the sensitive wipes for the kids.

The two year old, Shape sorting typ toys that are interactive, He can eat just about anything now just make sure they have no allergies, diapers between a 4-5, he should take sippy cups well they all should, Clothes are between 18-24 mons a foward facing carseat is fine at his age. and a playpen or crib he cant crwal out of.

The three year old,She can eat what ever you fix all food should be fine at this age Toys like baby dolls and stuff like that Clothes are a 3t now and a playpen would probaly be too small you might want a toddler bed. Diapers are about a 5 but she may be potty trained so you will want a baby potty and some pull ups.





All the kids shoul use sippy cups but i would get a couple bottles just incase. every thing should be fine if you need anything dont forget to ask the CPS Also for shoes you will want to take them and have them try on shoes so you know they fit right.

Answer 6

You will need diapers for the 1 year old. And Pull ups for the 3 year old I imagine, but get big girl panties too just incase. The 2 year old might still be in diapers or pull ups. Get sippy cups and some bottles. The 1 year old shouldn't be on formula, but wait to see and get whatever they are on. 1 year old babies can eat solid food CUT INTO SMALL PEICES and nothing tough. The 1 year old will need its own toys, just go to the baby isle and see what they have. The 2 and 3 year old can share toys, go to the toy isle and find the toys for 2+. 1 year old probably still needs a crib, while the other 2 you can just put a side rail on the beds you already have. I would get a potty for them if you feel like spending the money. It wouldn't hurt to try and potty train the 2 and 3 year old after they get settled it. The 1 and 2 year olds need car seat, and probably the 3 year old. I would also wait on that. The 1 and 2 year olds need convertable seats. Legally they only have to face rear until they are one, but studies show that they need to face rear until they are 2 for safety. The 3 year old may be ready for a booster seat, unless if she is small for her age. Then she will need the same kind of car seat. Weight limits and such will be on the box.I don't know what sizes of diapers to tell you to get. Just use the weight guide on the package.

Answer 7

First, relax! It's so awesome that you two are doing this! These kids will be glad just to have you two there for them!



*Car seats usually have the regulations on them - height/weight of the child. Here's a website for your state's law regarding carseats

http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm



*Chances are at 1 year of age, they are on solids. This means that they can eat normal food, but the baby may need his/hers pureed. Blenders are great! Whole milk for the baby. Playtex sippie cups are good for the 1 & 2 year old - they have a rubber insert in the lid of the cup so that the milk or water doesn't spill out. The 3 year old should be okay with a cup, but if she's prone to spilling, the sippie cup may be useful for her too. You may want to omit honey, shellfish and peanut butter forthe 1 yo (allergies). Kids like finger foods. This is a good time to introduce a variety of foods to them - new fruits and veggies, healthy balanced meals. Not all at once. They may not like them the first time you give it to them, but try again at another meal.



*I don't know what size clothes or shoes just because each child differs. You might want to wait til you see the kids. Do they have some clothes already?



*Again, you'll have to wait to see what size diapers the 1 year old wears... and maybe the 2 year old. A child potty doesn't hurt to have, but if you don't it's no biggie. You can just turn the child around, facing the back of the potty and have them straddle the toilet as they go. It gives them better balance so they won't fall in and they can hold onto the back of the potty.



*A 1 yr old's interest in toys may differ from a 3 yr old's. Plus a 1 yr old will like to put everything in her mouth, it's her way of checking the toy out. But likely anything that's labeled safe for a 1 year old is safe enough for a 2 and 3 year old.



*The 1 year old should probably have a crib, if you have one available. Pack and plays might work if you have that for either the 1 or 2 year old. Actually the 2 and 3 year old could just sleep on mattresses low to the ground (on the floor) with a pillow or rolled up blankets on either side of them so they don't roll off. And they may feel comfortable sleeping all in the same room (at least the 2 & 3 year olds).



God Bless you for your loving and selfless act!

Answer 8

Forward facing car seats if they 1 year old and 20 lbs, which most are unless she is very little, but either way they all should use the seat that can forward and rear face. At one they can sit up and hold their heads and all of that. The one year old I am sure still needs a crib. Soft foods. The 2 and 3 year old can probably sleep together. They have the gates now that are like fence instead of play pins that would work to keep them out of place you do not want them, also baby gates. Sippy cups for all of them possibly bottle for the 1 year old. They won't need formula. The diapers depend on size they usually have weights on them, and a one year old is usually more than 20 lbs, and go up from there if you buy some that do not fill you can always bring them back. I would by footie PJ's and a blanket.

Answer 9

okay first of all take a deep breath. I am a mom of 9 so, I have had lots of experience. The carseats all depend on their weight. The little one might still be in an infant carrier depending on her size. The other 2 need those upright forward facing seats. They have the kind that have a bar that come down over their heads, thats good for the little one. The 3 year old can have the same kind or one that has the 4 point harness in the front. The baby probaly still needs a crib. The older 2 should be able to sleep in toddler beds. But, again that depends on their size. My 2 year old has slept in one for about 6 months now. The good thing about clothes for little ones is that it somewhat matches their age. My 2 year old wears a size 3T, My 3 year old wears a size 4T, and the one year old should be able to wear a 2T. They can pretty much eat what you do. Most one year olds are starting on regular milk. Diapers all depend on their size. You are going to be ok. I am available if you need to talk. I am a stay at home mom so, if you get them and have any questions feel free to email me and I will do my best to talk you through it. Good Luck.

Answer 10

well for a one year old you would need diapers ,sippies if she is still on a bottle you would need these also by one they are usually off formula and baby food but they still need toddler food which is in the same isle as baby food you size of everything really depends on the size of the child there weight and such i would start with clothing in anything from a 24 months to a 4 t that should cover them all defiantly a playpen for the 1 year old toddler beds for the other you could go with the playpen as a bed for the 1 year old or if you prefer a crib .A potty would be nice if they are potty trained if they are not then you may also want to buy some Pull ups along with the diapers I have a 2 year old and he is not potty trained .Car seats you need to go buy there weight and size also .It is very nice that you do this good luck and feel free to ask me anything I am the mother of 4 email me with any questions you have

Answer 11

All of these are really going to be based on the children themselves. Coming into foster care usually entails some sort of abuse or neglect. So you have no idea whether any of these children have managed their proper milestones for their ages. So with that said.

Unless the children are under 20 lbs. they are all old enough for front facing seats.

unless they are malnourished...they should all be able to eat most table foods and milk unless they have unusual dietary needs.

Bottles maybe for the 1 year old or even 2 year old. Though they should all be able to use a sippy cup. Walmart had great ones for 1.79. My daughter loves them.

Diapers try buy size 3, 4, and 5s, no telling if they are over weight or underweight.

A potty would be good, sure hope the 3 year old has at least started showing some interest.

Walmart or Dollar store for toys they all have the age appropriation on the package

2 maybe 3 cribs or playpens necessary the 3 year old may be able to sleep in a toddler bed. Again, there is no telling how developed they may or may not be.

Answer 12

Sleeping first - the 1 year old needs a crib, the 2 and 3 year old can use toddler beds.



Car seats - all of them can be in a face forward car seat now, in the back. I would get the 5 point harnass ones.



Clothes - can be hard because you need to really now weight. Also what how old are them in months. If the 1 year old is 12 months then you need 12 to 18 month clothes. the 2 year old get 2T clothes and the 3 year old 3T/4T



Eating at 2 and 3 they can eat what you do, they will need sippy cups for all three. The one year old may need gerber toddler food.



Toys - just go by the age on the box.



Good luck and God Bless you for doing this.

Answer 13

Everyone has the sippy cups and car seats covered, I would get bottles and bottle brushes for the baby just in case. Also one thing not to forget is a highchair for the little one and a table boaster seat for the 2 and 3 yr old. If you get a booster seat make sure it has belts so they don't fall out. Also make sure you have some plastic plates for dinner. If there is a Baby's R Us nearby I suggest a trip there, most of the things you will need are in the infant & toddler sections. I would also pick up a few children's DVDs or go to Blockbuster and rent some to give the older ones something to watch. Just get the basics for today, and after a couple of days you will get a better idea of their sizes and needs it will be easier to figure out what is best.

Answer 14

Essentials:



diapers for the 1 and possibly 2 year old. Diapers go by weight so call and ask social worker their weights and if any are potty trained.

potty for the 3 year old

Car seats work on weight too all should be old enough to face forward.

one baby bed and two toddler beds

food wise healthy normal foods for the two older and possibly the one year old.

Sippy cups

High chairs or booster seats.

No toys with small loose parts. Check out Fisher Price items.



Clothes and shoes you are on your on on that one since no one child is ever the same size. The social worker will be able to help with this also.



Videos get age appropriate videos. They will love it.



Stock up on baby wipes.

Answer 15

just for the moment I'd buy pullups. A baby bottle, children in crisis tend to regress (for the 1 year old just in case). And make spaghetti. They can all eat that.



Toys, and try to keep them in the same room in the beginning. They are facing trauma. You seem to have already written the things you will need.



When you get up the next morning, you will have seen them and have a better idea of their clothing needs. You're on the right track...Take care, God bless you...And be prepared for three crying children who will be hard to comfort. Ask the worker if she can bring a favorite thing from each child. Kind of like a security blanket for them.

Answer 16

Call the Children Protective Services contact and ask them, they probably have a list to assist you.

You will need formula, 2-3 bottles for each of the babies, blankets, diapers, changes of warm clothing, (sizes for diapers and clothings are based upon age).

You will need car seats based upon size of the children to

be able to pick them up and transport them to your home.

Baby rattles, little tot toys, would be helpful. Going to need

a bed/crib for these 3 children (maybe you can rent paypens and cribs?). Bless you for taking care of these children

Answer 17

i hope your kidding..... a little bit of common sense should prevail.... if your serious i suggest you talk to the cps and tell them of your lack of experience with toddlers... good luck,,,,