Love knows no boundaries. Adoption Choices of New York specializes in domestic in-state and out-of-state infant adoptions. The latter is called interstate adoption. Although our office is located in Albany, NY, we understand that families from another state might want to adopt a child located here and we will do everything we can to connect you to them. We also understand that our families in NY might be matched with a child born in another state.
Prior to embarking on that out-of-state road trip, you should know what items are necessary to pack. The list below will provide you with some ideas on packing for your interstate adoption. In order to be fully prepared, do research on the weather, climate, etc. regarding the state you are adopting from. Your adoption experts at Adoption Choices of New York are also great resources for what to pack when coming to the Big Apple.
Before You Leave
Even before you leave, be sure to check that all adoption paperwork and living accommodations have been completed. The Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, known as ICPC, is the type of paperwork needed for all interstate adoption. It can take around ten business days to complete, so it is crucial that you get it completed as soon as the baby is born.
Making travel arrangements is also essential. In the chaos and excitement of your adoption, you might forget. If you are driving, make sure the rental company offers safety features fitted for a newborn. If you opt-out to fly instead, you will need a medical release from a doctor to have newborns under two weeks old be on a plane. It will be advantageous to talk to your adoption experts to see what is the right traveling arrangements for you and your new baby. You will also want to check with the airline for any specific requirements so you don’t face any surprises at the airport.
Packing for Interstate Adoption
For You:
- Clothes. Bring more clothes than you think you’ll need, for yourself, your baby and anyone else going on the trip. You never know if you’ll need to extend the trip or not, so it’s good to have a few backups. Year-round, New York can get chilly, so have jackets and socks prepared. You should check the forecast before your departure date.
- Journal. This might not be something you find useful, however, documenting your first meeting along with many other “firsts” can be rewarding to many new parents. You might also want to write about your experience being in a different state.
- Camera. In accompaniment to a journal, having pictures of the journey is unforgettable and irreplaceable. You can share the joy with other family members, or reminiscent about the experience when your child is much older. Cellphones can work too, but having a camera will make everything feel more organized.
- Books, magazines, etc. There might be a lot of waiting around, especially during the birth and you might want to keep yourself busy. Don’t bring too many leisure activities because once the baby arrives, you will only want to hold him or her.
- All adoption paperwork. It could be a stretch, but you never know if the hospital or attorneys might ask to see any papers. It will save you any trouble to have them on hand. Ask your adoption experts to see what kind of documents you will need to bring with you on the trip.
- Gifts for birth parents. Although it isn’t required that you buy something for the birth parents, you should still do something to show your appreciation to them. They have done a lot and will be gifting you a child. Check with your adoption experts and attorney before finalizing a present. Some ideas could be jewelry, post-birth recovery basket, flowers, gift cards, photo album, etc.
- Any other essentials. Your cellphone, chargers, laptop, medicine, and wallet are among the few things you will need no matter where you go.
For the Baby:
- Baby clothes. While the biological parents might have a few outfits ready, it’s never a bad idea to have extra – especially if you want to dress them for the first time. Before the baby is born, you can only guess what their size is. Have at least two newborn outfits in a few sized just in case, you can always return some.
- Infant car seat and baby carrier. When traveling with a baby, it is safest to hold them in either an infant car seat or a baby carrier. This will also make car travel much easier. Do your research on the type of car seat or carrier that will be appropriate for your baby’s age. Here are some of the best infant car seats of 2019.
- Formula. Do your research on what nutrition values you want and any additives you want to stay away from. Check out this list of the best baby formulas of 2019.
- Diapers/ diaper bags. Diapers are essential in any child’s life. Having a load prepared in a diaper bag along with other necessities like powder, wipes, washcloth, lotion, etc. will certainly make your life easier.
- Bottles and pacifiers. Anything that comes into contact with your baby’s skin or mouth should be cleaned or sanitized beforehand. Bottles, pacifiers, etc. The good thing is that those things will not need to be sanitized every time they are used. Glass bottles are best because they won’t leave any bacteria behind. Make sure pacifiers are small enough for your newborn.
- Anything else your adoption experts recommend. They will know what’s best for the newborn. Don’t feel that you are alone on this journey. If you want to know what you should have at home, check out our blog post on The Baby Checklist.
The Trip to Your Happiness
It’s thrilling to know your child is waiting for you to bring them home. You’ll be outstanding parents. We are excited for you and we hope this packing list for your interstate adoption will help you on this journey along with giving you some peace of mind. See you in New York, or wherever your perfect child leads you.
Adoption Choices of New York
For more information on adoption or if you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact, Adoption Choices of New York.
About the Author
Lisa Truong is an undergraduate journalism major at the University of Denver. She is minoring in writing and Chemistry. She has been commended by professors for her news stories as well as creative writing.
During her freshman year, her essay “See Ya on the Other Side” was displayed at a writing exhibition sponsored by the University of Denver. That essay later went on to be published in Many Voices One DU, a book also sponsored by the university.
Lisa frequently volunteers to be a leader at the Daniels School of Business for their quarterly Ethics Boot Camp where students learn about the importance of character in business. In her free time, Lisa enjoys watching animated movies with her mother, listening to music, going for bike rides, and eating breakfast food.
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Resources:
Chittister, Robyn. “What to Pack When Traveling for a Domestic Infant Adoption.” Adoption.com, 3 Sept. 2015, adoption.com/what-to-pack-when-traveling-domestic-infant-adoption.
Elder, Tim. “9 Things You Need When Adopting from Another State.” Infant Adoption Guide, 1 Feb. 2019, infantadoptionguide.com/9-things-you-need-when-adopting-from-another-state/.
