Adoptive moms are passionate about their baby carriers. We asked for your favorites and here’s what you said.
When Adoption Travel is a Family Affair
Guess who’s coming with moms and dads on the adoption trip? Their moms and dads!
Post-Arrival Medical Evaluations
Your guide to identifying medical problems common to internationally adopted children.
Book Review: The Safe Baby
The Safe Baby is an easy-to-follow resource that will give busy parents — adoptive or otherwise — peace of mind.
Ask AF: Transitioning Children to Calling Us “Mom” and “Dad”
“My husband and I are working to adopt from foster care. How do we transition a child from calling us our first names to calling us ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’?”
“Are Adoptive Moms Allowed to Have a Bad Day?”
After finally realizing my dream of becoming a mother, I found what most new parents find—along with the bliss come days filled with crying, spit-up, and leaking diapers. But when I dared to vent, I was chided: “You wanted to adopt…you asked for this!”
“Which Baby Gift Registry is Best?”
Readers share their registry experiences—and tell us which companies have adoption-friendly options.
“Letting the 13-Year-Old Drive”
How do you empower a child entering his teen years in a state of defeat, powerlessness, and utter self-disregard? You give him a key and tell him to take off!
“Loving My Daughter, A Country Apart”
I didn’t travel to meet my new daughter. But nothing could stop me from becoming Maura’s mommy.
“Should We Keep or Change Our Child’s Name?”
We carefully choose our children’s names. But wait—our children will soon have their own ideas about who they are and what they should be called.
Share Your Story: Naming Adoptive Children
In “Naming Madison”, Dawn Friedman argued in favor of keeping her daughter’s birth name. We asked our readers: Should adoptive parents choose their child’s name?
“Awake at Last”
Sometimes love comes easy. Other times, it must be earned. This is the story of how I let go of my preconceived ideas about bonding and motherhood and became brave enough to trust my heart.
“What If?”
What if I don’t love this child the same as I love the others? This question is probably every pre-adoptive parent’s most secret worry. Here are the words that reassured me.
Share Your Story: Domestic Adoption and Attachment
We asked our readers: Before your adoption, were you concerned about bonding with your baby? After your newborn came home, what parenting techniques did you practice that enhanced attachment?
Ten Questions to Ask Pediatricians
When you’re in the process of adopting an infant, there are things you should know about your potential pediatrician. Start with these top queries.
First Aid Kit Essentials
One thing about parenthood is practically guaranteed. If your new baby gets sick, it will be in the middle of the night…in a snowstorm. Be prepared with these must-have items.
“Anniversary”
One year after my daughter came to live with me from foster care, the memory was still too bittersweet for her. But today, two years after becoming mother and daughter, we are ready to celebrate.
Ask AF: How to Encourage a New-Sibling Bond?
“We adopted our 10-year-old daughter as an infant, and adopted her seven- and eight-year-old biological sisters last month. How can we help all three girls bond with each other?”
Capturing Our Favorite Family Photographs
We asked readers about your most treasured photos from your trips to the hospital or country where your children were born. Here are some of the most meaningful scenes and stories you shared from your adoption journeys.
“Adopting From Russia…Again?”
One thing led to another, and we became—unexpectedly—twice blessed.