Expanding your family by having a new baby or adopting/fostering a child is an exciting time! However, it also requires preparation on the practical and emotional levels to help the transition go smoothly. This article provides tips on getting your home, finances, relationship, and yourself ready before your family grows. Whether you’re having a baby, adopting an infant, or welcoming a foster child of any age into your home, these suggestions will help the change feel less stressful.
Preparing Your Home
When adding family members, having enough physical space is crucial. If you’re expecting a baby, set up a nursery with a cot, changing table, and rocking chair. Make sure dangerous chemicals and medications are locked up, cover sharp edges on furniture, and install safety gates on stairs.
For adopting or fostering an older child with an agency like Fostering People, prepare a dedicated bedroom. Include a bed, dresser, lamps, and storage for toys/books. Decorating allows a child to personalise their space. Decorate gender-neutrally if the child’s sex is unknown. Ensure your home is “childproofed” by locking away medications, chemicals, alcohol and covering plug sockets.
It’s also wise to babyproof common areas. Install safety gates, window guards, cabinet locks and anchor furniture to walls. Reduce clutter and anchor loose rugs. Creating a safe environment will give you peace of mind.
Financial Preparation
Babies and children come with extra costs. Estimate new expenses like nappies, formula, clothing, and childcare. See if your work offers flexible spending accounts for childcare.
Build your emergency savings fund in case of illness or job loss. Trim discretionary spending to free up money. Basic supplies like cots and pushchairs can be bought second-hand. Ask loved ones to gift items from your baby registry.
If you are adopting/fostering, take the same steps.
Strengthen Your Relationship
Expanding your family is joyful but also challenging. Solidify your relationship before increasing stressors. Make time for regular date nights and weekends away to reconnect. Improve your communication and agree on parenting approaches. Discuss the division of labour once the baby arrives or a child comes to live with you.
Attending birthing or adoption/foster classes together builds teamwork. Read parenting books and blogs to align expectations. Seek counselling if you have unresolved issues or conflicts. A strong foundation will help weather the inevitable ups and downs.
Prepare Yourself Emotionally
Your life is about to change dramatically. Expect an adjustment period for everyone. Accept that the first few months will be tiring as you establish routines. Be ready to feel overwhelmed but know this phase passes.
Reflect on how a child may impact your work, social life and hobbies. Make a plan to still care for yourself. Don’t expect perfection. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes.
If you are adopting/fostering an older child, also anticipate challenges. Many foster children have experienced trauma requiring therapy. Work through any anxieties about parenting an unfamiliar child. Let go of any idealised expectations. Focus on providing a nurturing environment.
Expanding your family is monumental. Preparing your home, budget, relationship and yourself will help this new chapter get off to a smooth start. Most importantly, be flexible. Remember, perfection is not required. With love and commitment, your enlarged family will flourish.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.