This message (in part) was on the over 40 adoption forum this morning:

…… When you first adopted were you able (financially) to do the baby’s room exactly how you wanted too - Another words did you go out and purchase all new things- Or got some second handed things (like the bed) ……?..

This was my answer:

Oh my gosh! Don't go into debt or try to keep up with your neighbors by doing your kids room. I bought some POOH stickers and put them all over the walls. Everything in there looks great because the walls are so fun.

I've got plastic drawers for a dresser because my child can look through the drawers and easily open them herself. She can get her own pajamas and pull ups and sometimes even a shirt. (she's almost three)...

Don't spend the money! Just make it cute in your own way . You'll have plenty of time to spend cash later when they are teenagers.

BTW,.... I buy a LOT of almost new stuff at the thrift store and dress K REALLY CUTE all the time for almost nothing....

This can be an issue especially for legal risk, foster-adopt parents who might not know exactly what age or what gender child will be coming into their home.

When we first started the process, five years ago, we didn’t have a crib or a bed or anything – and I was worried about not being prepared. When our first child, a two year old boy, (Ricky) was dropped off, Hubby ran to the second hand store and bought a toddler bed we’d had our eye on. Then I ran to Target and bought sheets and a few other things. We were set up. That was it!

Over time, I was able to add another toddler bed, a crib and a twin bed – all purchased from garage sales.

K’s room is very cute, but as I mentioned above, it is also functional for her stage of development. She can put away her own toys, (with a bit of helpful encouragement from me), pull out her own clothes, more or less, and turn on the light herself with a step stool. I converted her old changing table to a bookcase, and she can reach the bottom shelve with her favorites on it.

Her sheets – Dora and Pooh, were purchased from eBay.
I added a really fun string of star lights and viola! We were done.

Not everyone’s idea of a perfectly decorated room, but it works for us!

Photo of room last year at crib time!