International Adoption: What Should You Bring With You?

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If you are adopting a child from another country, you may be planning to travel to that country to pick up your new family addition. However, before you do, it is important to give some thought to your upcoming trip.

Parents Magazine says that you should choose carefully the items that you are going to put into your suitcase. These things may include the following:

  • Donations for the orphanage such as clothing, formula, medical products, or even toys – if the orphanage accepts donation

  • Clothing that is respectful of the country you are traveling to – jeans or t-shirts may not be a good idea.

  • The appropriate form of cash – make sure that the country will accept traveler's checks or credit cards or bring a money belt if you are going to bring a large amount of cash.

Since your carry-on bag will remain in your possession at all times, it only makes sense to pack the items that are the most important to you in it. For example, you may want to use it to store a change or two of clothing, toothbrush and toothpaste, hygiene care, medications, glasses, diapers and a change of clothes for the new baby, your adoption paperwork and your passport, and other documentation.

A camera or video camera can help you document your visit as well as create lasting images that your new child will enjoy as she or he grows older. If you can, you should plan to see some of the countries that are part of your child’s heritage. This can give you the ability to develop a love for the country of your child’s birth and teach your child about his or her birthplace later on. 

Tags: Family Law

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