How to Prepare to Travel to Your Child’s Country

In most cases, when you get permission to travel, you’ll have little time to prepare. So start stocking up on must-haves as soon as you receive your referral. That way, you can save time on packing.

What to Bring Along on Your Trip

Talk to other parents who have adopted from the region you’re adopting from to find out what will be available to buy in-country and what you’ll need to bring.

To Bring		Ideas to Consider
Age-appropriate toys		Small puzzles Stuffed animals Rattles/chew toys
Baby carrier		Backpack or front pack (there are a variety of types available, and the best kind for you depends on the age of your child and your needs; talk to experienced parents to find out about brands and options)
Bottles or sippy cups		Different babies like different kinds of bottles; sometimes, other parents who have adopted from that region can offer advice about bottle types used in the local orphanages
Clothing for your child		Weather Child’s age and size (bring a variety of sizes, as it can be difficult to assess what size your child wears) Wash any new, unworn clothes so that they’ll be soft and comfortable
Clothing for yourself		The weather while you’re traveling
Diapers		Pack a range of sizes
Diaper bag		A backpack is the most useful and comfortable for getting around
Formula		If your child is young enough to be using formula, you may want to bring home the variety the orphanage uses and then gradually wean your child to the kind you plan to use
Gifts for your child’s caregivers		Tokens of your thanks and appreciation (can be very small)
Medicine for you		Any prescription drugs you may need (bring more than you anticipate needing in case your trip is extended) Pain relievers Cold medication
Medicine for your child		Some doctors familiar with the region may prescribe antibiotics or other medicine in preparation for common illnesses they’ve seen in children adopted from that country Anti-lice shampoo Pedialyte® (for dehydration) Acetaminophen for babies or children Hydrocortisone cream
Snacks for you		Granola bars Dried fruit Cookies or crackers
Snacks for your child		Dry cereal Dried fruit Cookies or crackers Granola bars
Stroller		A collapsible stroller is your best bet for traveling If your child is young enough, use a front or back carrier to promote attachment You can also use a stroller for hauling a diaper bag when your child wants to be carried
Toiletries (some of these things may be available in your child’s birth country)		Toothbrush, toothpaste Shampoo/conditioner Soap Deodorant

Should You Travel to Your Child’s Country?

Some programs allow you to choose whether to travel. If you’re struggling with the decision, ask yourself the following questions:

Will you regret not seeing your child’s home country?
If you travel, will you have the opportunity to meet your child’s caregivers or see where your child was living before the adoption?
If you have other children, are there people who can care for them while you travel or who can come with you to help you care for them overseas?
Can you afford to take the time off to travel?
Does your agency offer someone to assist you in your child’s country of origin?
Do you want to bring home souvenirs for your child from her home country?
Will you be able to visit your child’s finding place? (The finding place is the place where your child was found by authorities if he wasn’t brought directly to the orphanage.)

Acknowledgments & Disclaimer

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The Adoption Referral

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In-Country Adoption

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