We recently took the question, “What was the best tip or advice that helped you OR that you would pass along to other parents preparing to adopt? Any products for baby or the child that you recommend? Any travel ideas or time-saving tips? Tell us what worked for you!” to our Lifetime Adoption Center Facebook page. These were some of the replies from our families:

“Asking the hospital if they have an extra room or a place for out of town families. Since it was a busy night at our hospital, they had a place for out of town families for $20/night and volunteers prepared dinner.”
        -Toni

“We made arrangements to have the required things shipped and waiting for us. Like the car seat, stroller, play n pack. Once we were returning home, we shipped the items that were not critical for travel.”
       -Shelly

“I wish I had brought more burp rags! I had plenty of clothes, even blankets for the baby, but ended up using blankets as burp rags!”
       -Darryl

“We contacted churches in the area where our baby was going to be born, to ask for their advice on where to stay. We ended up finding a church that had a mission house where we were able to stay for free. Also, Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge for the 1st 2 checked bags, and if you have to change your flights, you only have to pay the difference in fares, no change fees.”
       -Rachel

“Be flexible! Put your job, family and friends on “notice” so if help is needed they can help out. Look into airline, hotel, rental car deals up front.”
       -Renee

“Check to see if there is a Ronald McDonald house close by. We have used those for two out of three of our adoptions.”
       -Liz

If you are considering adoption and interested in Lifetime Adoption, please visit our free application. We are currently accepting applications from adoptive parents of ALL racial backgrounds and family make-up.

Written by Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P.

Founder of Lifetime Adoption, adoptive mom, adoption expert, and Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P).

Since 1986, adoption expert Mardie Caldwell has been dedicated to bringing couples and birth parents together in order to fulfill their dreams.

“Many years ago, I was also searching for a child to adopt. We didn’t know where or how to get started. Through research, determination, and a prayer, our dream of a family became reality. I started with a plan, a notebook, assistance from a caring adoption consultant and a lot of hard work; this was my family I was building. We had a few heartaches along the way, but the pain of not having children was worse!

Within weeks we had three different birth mothers choose us. We were overwhelmed and delighted. Many unsettling events would take place before our adoption would be finalized, many months later. Little did I know that God was training and aligning me for the adoption work I now do today. It is my goal to share with our families the methods and plans which succeed and do not succeed. I believe adoption should be affordable and can be a wonderful “pregnancy” for the adoptive couple.

I have also been on both sides of infertility with the loss of seven pregnancies and then conceiving by new technology, giving birth to a healthy daughter. I have experienced first-hand the emotional pain of infertility and believe my experience allows me to serve your needs better.

It is my hope that for you, the prospective parents, your desire for a child will be fulfilled soon.”

Read More About Mardie Caldwell