While You're Waiting

We have compiled a list of suggestions from Alliance for Children families and other sources to keep you busy during the wait for your child. Here's the list in its current form. We are always taking suggestions, so be in touch if you have anything to add!

• Find a pediatrician with international adoption experience for pre- and post-adoption evaluations
  * American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Adoption and Foster Care
  * American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)
  * American Medical Association (AMA) Doctor Finder
• Find day care
• Have a baby shower
• Knit a blanket or make some other keepsake for your baby
• Shop for kids' books

• Study Mandarin Chinese: Chinese Language Links
• Join the local chapter of Families with Children from China: FCC Chapters
• Finish house repairs and remodeling
• Write or update your will and life insurance policies
• Set up and decorate the nursery

• Watch the China Adoption Slideshow on the AFC website: Adoption Photos Slideshow
• Put together a packing list for China (You will get one from Alliance after you receive your referral.)
• Request money from your bank
  * For your trip to China, you will need $3,000 in new, totally crisp hundred dollar bills and $2,500 for all other in-country expenses in relatively crisp bills - mostly hundreds and some smaller change
• Finish up odds and ends at work
• Request forms for family leave (depending on state -- for example, in CA there is a paid family leave law)

• Research what documentation is needed to add baby to your family health insurance plan
• Go on a "no kids" vacation
• Talk to friends and family about the adoption and ask them to share their thoughts and concerns
• Read books about China
• Read adoption stories
  * Born in Our Hearts: Stories of Adoption - a compilation of stories about adoption edited by the founder and director of Alliance for Children, Filis Casey, and her daughter Marisa, adopted from Colombia.
  * Alliance Adoption Stories - stories about adoption written by Alliance families

• Start a memory book for baby
• Get involved in helping the orphans of China: Alliance For Children Foundation
• Buy a baby backpack, sling or stroller
• Research Chinese cultural activities in your area: Local Chinese Activities
• Prepare yourself for post-adoption requirements: see the AFC Post Adoption section

• Set up a web site to share photos and comments of your trip to China with family and friends at home: CaringBridge
• Talk to your doctor about recommended immunizations for travel to China: CDC Travelers' Health
• Coordinate activities with other China Alliance families in your area (contact Alliance staff for a list of other families)
• Buy a Chinese cookbook and practice making some dishes for your baby
• Learn about and prepare for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit: Adoption Credit

• Estimate normal child-raising expenses and add to your projected budget.
  * USDA CNPP Projects - Expenditures on Children by Families
  * Babycenter.com - Cost of Raising a Child Calculator
• Take local CPR/childcare classes: American Red Cross Infant and Child CPR
• Read consumer reports: car seats, cribs, strollers, etc.
• Check for product recalls on secondhand baby items: Consumer Reports Children's Products Recalls Information
• Create a gift registry

• Choose a name
• Learn proper car seat installation and traffic safety for children
  * Safe Ride News or 1-800-403-1424
  * Seat Check or 1-866-732-8243
  * U.S.A. Safe Ride Helpline or 1-800-745-7233
  * National Auto Safety Hotline or 888-DASH-2-DOT
• Start an educational fund
• Design email or regular announcements for baby's arrival
• Sign up for local play groups or classes, e.g., parent child classes at Gymboree or Kindermusik

• Join online or local adoptive support groups
• Prepare other children for new sibling
• Alert Alliance to any major life changes - moving house, change of jobs, etc.