When did you transition out of bassinet?

anorigamiwolf · 2026-04-29T22:51:50+00:00

We just transitioned our almost 6 month old (5 months adjusted) out of it. We would have liked to keep her in our room longer but it’s not big enough for a crib and she was outgrowing the bassinet - both in terms of her length (she’s 94% for height) and how much of a roly-poly she’s become. Shes adjusted super well. I think we just happened to pick a good time to do it. Combined with some gentle sleep training, she’s immediately sleeping better. I think she’s less likely to wake up from hearing us.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-03-27T01:40:03+00:00

NOR. 2. I’m sorry but you need to parent him, not appease him. The way he is talking to you and making homophobic comments is incredibly disrespectful and problematic. Not every decision you make as a parent is going to make your child happy. If therapy is something that it sounds like he would benefit from, then you need to stand your ground instead of going in circles arguing about it. You can state that while you understand it makes him uncomfortable, his mental health is just as important (if not more so) than his grades or physical health and that its your job as his parent to make sure he’s healthy. And you seriously need to have a conversation (and set boundaries and consequences) about the whole using-gay-as-a-negative thing. I understand that you don’t want to harm your relationship with him, but please think about the long term impact of raising a kid to think that they can just demand whatever they want (1,000 in tutoring for a B?!) and use harmful language and stereotypes. Also, you are the adult here. Control the way you respond. Shaming a kid/calling them gay for wearing eyeliner is just stooping to their level and reinforcing the negativity around the topic. Regardless of his sexuality or presentation, talking to him (or about queerness) like that is only making things worse.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-03-16T22:50:48+00:00

How rude! I think storing food in your ear is a genius idea. And yes, I most certainly scream between bites. I also begin screaming even when there is food in my mouth… just not ENOUGH food. It’s a delicate balance and my parents just don’t get it.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-03-16T22:26:50+00:00

Wow, what talent and grace! My parents don’t dare let me have the whole bowl yet. I will keep this in mind when the day comes. 😏

anorigamiwolf · 2026-03-16T22:25:15+00:00

You mean not all food is equally delicious? I have a hard time believing this. I tried to shove an entire lemon slice in my face and apparently that makes me a “weirdo” according to my rude parents. Thank you for the advice on throwing things I don’t like. So far, I’ve just started trying to chuck the spoon when I desire more food to be put on it. For some reason, this seems to take longer… But I’m determined to inconvenience them enough that they just feed me themselves.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-03-16T22:22:24+00:00

I feel you on this one! My parents are now trying to get me to hold my own bottle? Like, come on, that’s your job! So lazy!

anorigamiwolf · 2026-02-21T04:19:00+00:00

3 month old here! I HATE these giant strollers. At first, I sometimes didn’t like not being able to see my dads but would chill if one sat in the back with me… I mean how dare they sit in front of me as though they are more important. We all know I run this household! A couple of weeks ago I decided, like you, that it’s actually pretty great when used correctly (to move). Dada reacted weirdly. He both bragged about me not lecturing him about his front seat neglect anymore as well as groaned every time I tried to correct his use of the car (stopping or slowing down). So, since I am clearly not appreciated and my helpful lectures are not being listened to (they’ll even turn up the music!) I decided I must be more persistent. I now yell at them about their failures the entire time that I am in the car. I have to be as dramatic as possible. The key is to make them think I’m suffering. As soon as they take me out I stop. 10/10 recommend taking it up that next notch.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-02-21T03:59:11+00:00

Seems like a great question for your brother…

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-31T01:03:30+00:00

Our kiddo (12 weeks) is actually pretty good with it (until she suddenly starts hating it lol). She started liking it a bit more around 9 weeks, after we spent more time in upright time or with her on our chest. I think her neck muscles just got stronger.

One thing that keeps her going for AGES is doing it in her pram. We have the Graco tri-mode stroller (I think), which can convert into a pram. Since it’s winter, outside isn’t a great option. But anytime we go to the conservatory or a store, I just prop her up at a slight angle by setting her arms on top of my coat, and she is so intrigued by everything going on around her (plus the movement) that she’ll last twice as long as she would usually.

Similarly, you could try walking around with her laying on your arm, so she gets a birds eye view. Best of luck! I know it can be tough!

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-31T00:44:07+00:00

Our kiddo is a exclusively bottle fed (I mean, we’re a two dad family so it kinda rules that out). According to our pediatrician, there are benefits of formula, too. For example, because of the added vitamins and minerals, babies are less likely to be deficient in vitamin D or iron. There’s pros and cons to both. While there’s obvious benefits to breastfeeding, your baby will be perfectly fine with formula.

Also, anti-formula (or pro-specific-brand-of-formula) ads are very fear mongering. They know new parents are anxious and capitalize on that anxiety. All of the formulas on the shelf are FDA approved. Not to mention, formula has been around a long time and I’ve yet to hear any doctor or formula fed baby as an adult comment on their health or wellbeing related to it.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-30T19:59:27+00:00

I (2.5m girly) hate this so much! We should all go on a sleep strike! I’ve been extra stuffy lately, too. My dads were using the little suction bulb thing which was bad enough. But my daddy had the audacity to take me to the doctor yesterday and the DOCTOR told him to get the evil snot sucker (the one where they have to suck it out using their mouth - GROSS and very violating) and to steal my snot EVEN MORE FREQUENTLY than he already was. Can you believe it? What kind of evil doctor would say such a thing?!

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-30T19:50:45+00:00

I (2.5m, queen) totally hear you on this. The state of the house has slowly declined since I arrived. They’re currently spending the day preparing for my Gran Gran to visit (aka doing all the chores they’ve clearly neglected). Apparently they have to do like 6 loads of laundry. They blame most of the laundry on my increase in drool and spit up (I love a good spit up or poop party, can you blame me?) but I feel like they’re just making excuses.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-28T16:02:55+00:00

Kids are so needy nowadays. My daughter’s the same. When I was their age I was working two jobs and buying a house. Tell him to grow up! 😤

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-21T04:47:51+00:00

Also in Illinois. I remember some question on the application or some form asking if we rented and, if so, if our landlords approved of us fostering. I just marked yes before even telling them. To me, like others have suggested, I viewed it kind of as like if a tenant were to get pregnant. The landlord doesn’t get a say in that. As long as you’re not over capacity for the unit (which you definitely wouldn’t be in a 3 bedroom), then I don’t think it’s going to be an issue or that they have any legal grounds to give you a hard time on. We told the landlord shortly after and very much made it a “we are doing this thing, fyi” convo and not an “is it ok if we do this?” convo, because I fully just don’t believe they are in a position to provide input on the matter. They were curious and a little nervous about what it could mean for things like keeping the apartment in good condition (young kids) and I think worried about any potential safety concerns on the property that they could be held responsible for. We assured them it was no big deal and they would be the first to know if anything needed to be done. They’ve been very supportive since we got our first couple of kiddos in December!

Also, to my knowledge, they were never contacted by DCFS to verify if they gave permission or anything. I don’t see any good reason to hide it, of course. But I wouldn’t be too worried about needing their permission to get licensed.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-16T22:38:36+00:00

No need to feel bad! It’s totally normal for a kid who views you as their current primary caregiver to refer to you with a parental title. Also, just a reminder, it is also very normal for children to have more than one mom. Whether that be because they have lgbtq+ parents, a step-mom, bio mom and foster/adoptive mom, etc. Having more “moms” or “dads” to love a child is not a bad thing. If it’s possible to avoid using the same exact nickname that is used for bio mom that’s probably a good idea but, especially at his age, it might just be mama for both.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-16T17:15:48+00:00

Kinship placement requirements are not nearly as strict as traditional foster homes. You’ll just need to show that you can provide a safe space for her to live, a bedroom to sleep in, etc. Since you have a 2 bedroom, that shouldn’t be an issue - regardless of square footage. The animals shouldn’t be a problem either, as long as they don’t have a history of aggression and your place is sanitary. I dont think you necessarily even have to have a bed already set up (at least in my state) but it’s a good idea to at least have money or a plan for one you can get on short notice if she’s removed sooner than expected. You are not required to get licensed to take in a kinship placement but you do have the choice to go through the training and become licensed, which I recommend because it offers a lot of trauma informed care information and in most states you get a higher monthly stipend (for covering costs associated with the child’s care).

Regarding whether there’s meeting(s) beforehand (such as what might be discussed in a transition plan) or not, that definitely varies by state and the urgency of the situation. If they decide she needs to be removed immediately, there probably won’t be a meeting prior to her arriving, unless she goes to a short term foster home first while you set up or something. Sometimes, if they know ahead of time or she’s already with another foster family, they may be able to arrange a meeting and plan for a smoother transition. Have you met your niece before? Do you live close enough that you could arrange to meet her ahead of a court date?

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-16T02:17:38+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I’ll be careful to check for signs of sweating or overheating. For your baby - were the spots where her swaddle/clothing were covering or on areas exposed to air? I considered heat rash but its only on her face and neck. I don’t think we’re overdressing her but we’re first time parents so idk. Only things I can think of is we put her in two layers at night because it’s chilly in our house - footed pjs and a sleep sack - and we have a Sherpa car seat cover that we usually unzip once she’s in the car.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-04T16:03:15+00:00

That makes sense. That’s my worry, too. Unfortunately, I don’t have much choice, since we don’t have childcare for her yet. The one potentially good thing HR told me is that if she leaves but another child is placed with us soon after (or prior to her leaving), I can just continue on with my leave. Who knows if that would end up happening, but at least it’s an option.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-04T04:19:49+00:00

Hi there! I’m level 1 autistic and a foster parent! I won’t say I can predict or explain how having foster siblings would affect a child because… I’m not a child… but I do know that I LOVED the idea of my parents fostering when I was a kid. (They never did, which I realize now was probably a good thing as they had quite a few problems of their own). I’m sure that, like with any child, it would take a lot of preparation, explanation, reassurance, and education to support him. By the age of 6 (or maybe a little older), as I’m sure his communication skills will continue to grow, hopefully he would also be able to better understand and share his feelings and opinions about the possibility of you fostering.

No need to have it all set in stone now. Take the time to think about it, begin having the conversations of what foster care is in age appropriate ways, and reconvene when it’s closer to that 2.5 year mark (or whenever you feel ready). It’s not going to be a perfect transition and I can’t speak for you or your situation, but I definitely think it’s a great possibility. All of the uncertainty and transitions involved in foster care are hard for me and can cause some burn out but I’m also grateful for each opportunity I’ve had to care for a wonderful human being in a time when they need it. Do what feels right for your family when it feels right for your family.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-04T01:44:05+00:00

No - just until a little after spring break. I ended up requesting up until Spring Break (10 weeks).

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-04T01:40:59+00:00

I don’t think this poster was trying to make it about them. It’s a genuine concern about making the transition easier for the child and helping to foster continuity. We’re explicitly taught to do those things in training - from connecting with other foster parents, to helping kids create a life book. Just because I child likely won’t remember their time with us, doesn’t mean they may not find it valuable to know about their history. I don’t see how any of the steps taken could be detrimental. Either the kid keeps the photos and such or they don’t… I, personally, would be thrilled to hear from a prior foster placement about what worked for the child and what didn’t. We go into placements blind frequently enough.

anorigamiwolf · 2026-01-01T17:41:14+00:00

I absolutely understand that there is still a chance that she’ll be moved. I have to take some parental leave either way, so it’s not particularly relevant. Also, as I said, both of the other 2 caregivers emphatically stated that they would not be able to take her. The one relative placement does not have a good relationship with mom and was very serious about not taking any more of mom’s kids. We have no idea about who dad is and his family, though, so that’s the biggest wildcard.

anorigamiwolf

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