Baby Adoption Shower

Baby Adoptions and the Baby Shower

Baby adoption shower is an exciting time, but it is also a time filled with an abundance of anxiety and anticipation. That's because the newborn adoption process is usually lengthy and often troublesome, especially if it is a private adoption. Only after the toddler adoption finally becomes legal can parents take a deep breath and begin planning their family life.

Most new parents want the child rearing experience to be as normal as possible and that includes arranging a baby shower.  A baby adoption shower will allow family and friends to welcome the new baby into the family. 

What's Different About Baby Adoption Showers?

The shower for the adopted baby shouldn't be any different than one that's arranged for a non-adopted child. Timing is often the only challenge. Many things can cause unforeseen delays in the adoption process.  There's even the chance that the adoption might actually fail for a variety of uncontrollable reasons. When planning the shower it is sensible to hold off scheduling a date for the party until after the adoption is finalized.

With that in mind there is something else to consider.  If the toddler adoption will be a first child, the new parent will need lots of baby things. They'll certainly need age-appropriate items if they are adopting and older child. The best approach is to talk it over with the parents, and then plan the shower around their needs and suggestions. Each baby adoption case is different, and the date really isn't as important as the celebration, so just plan on having a good time no matter when it occurs.

What Age is the Adopted Child?

As we suggested, children of all ages are adopted and if the shower is to welcome an older adopted child, it's a fun idea to invite a few children to be guests. You might plan this type of shower just as you would a birthday party. Select a theme appropriate for the child's age and gender, hiring child-friendly talent such as a clown or magician, and playing games that involve the children. All this should delight the parents as they become familiar with the new member of their family

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Aside from choosing a date and planning an age-appropriate shower, why should anything be any different than any other baby shower?

It has become fashionable for adoptive parents to register for baby gifts, just as any other new parent might. Of course, baby adoptions can happen so fast that there may not be much time to plan a shower.  You won't miss the fun if you just go ahead and have the shower after the new arrival.  Showers are joyful events no matter when they are held. 

Often adoptive parents have waited so long for this child that they are overwhelmed when it finally arrives.  A thoughtful idea is to arrange to have the baby shower video taped and present the DVD to the new parents. There are many children's books available that discuss adoption on a child's level. These are welcome gifts to give to the new parents for their baby's book collection.

It is not always the case, but some new parents elect to acknowledge the adopted baby's birth mother in some way. Sometimes they have formed a close bond with the birth mother and may choose to include her in the baby shower party.  A few gifts for her might be appropriate.

Remember that the baby being celebrated is adopted.  The mother-to-be is not pregnant, so stay away from any unsuitable maternity games at the shower. No big tummy games!

Single Parent Adoption

Did you know that 33% of children adopted from Foster Care are by single parents, and this number is steadily increasing. Most of these single parents are women who are more likely to adopt an older child than an infant.

Furthermore, about 25% of the adoptions of children with special needs are by single men and women.

Why shouldn't single parents be able to enjoy of experience of a shower?  Very few adjustments must be made from the traditional shower.  Another child is being welcomed into a new family.  Could there be a better reason for a celebration?

The Traditional Baby Shower Plan

No matter exactly what kind of baby adoption shower is being planned, just follow the traditional blueprint for a shower.  Send invitations as far in advance as possible. It's easy to find pre-printed invitations designed specifically for adopted baby showers.

How about some baby shower free games?

The hosts can plan for food, beverages, cake and decorations, just as you would for any party. Then let the good times roll!

Baby Adoption Shower