First placement - advice needed from mums/dads of girls

[SimplyTes]

We have been told by sw we will probably get a call tomorrow to tell us that we will be fostering an 11 months old girl, as always v complicated and sad circumstances for the baby which I can't go into.

Anyhow I am mum of two DS boys who are all about rugby, lego and football. I have been re-baby proofing house and DH currently putting up stairgates and safety stuff on cupboard doors......nothiong like leaving it to last minute

Anyhow can anyone tell me what an 11 month old girl does every day in an ideal world - milk / food / nap / bedtime etc. She doesn't have any structure in her life and I have no details of any of this. SIL has given me clothes and pink stuff so at least spare room looks a bit girly

Also DH has just replaced bar on Stokke Trip Trap chair but we have lost leather strap which goes in between babies legs - do you have one I can buy - I have scoured internet / e-bay and no joy.

Thank you all so so much and wish me luck!

Breakfast cereal when she wakes (prob 6ish!!) water to drink from trainer beaker
Milk/snack and a nap late morning
Lunch 12
Afternoon nap
Tea 5
Bath, milk, songs/book before bed at 7pm

Should be eating more or less what you eat, plenty of fruit, veg and protein. Get a toothbrush, I've read recently babies should use adult toothpaste for the fouride?

Stacking toys, sorting box and a favourite is the playskool Explore 'n grow tumble 'n twirl top. They put everything in, not just balls.

Try to keep a few of her things unwashed as the smell of home will comfort her (although it may well make you feel like vomiting).

Go with her during the first few weeks and gradually sort her routine to fit you and your own children. Best of luck.

Cheers fostering, with a name like yours I may be asking for more advice soon

I am composing a great structure for babe - but am v aware it may not be adhered to completely !!

I always find children of this age love anything that ISN'T a toy - eg an empty egg box with surprises inside, a pot to bang on, a bag to fill up then empty again and most of all - not found an exception to this yet - their car seat! I have an 18 month old at the moment who would spend all day fastening his teddy in, then taking it out again. Really there's no difference between boys or girls toys at this age though.

I agree with fostering that 2 naps are still needed at this age (for you if not for baby!) and always try to get mine in bed by 7 too.

Health visitors advise that bottles should be phased out by 12 months so try to get her on to a cup for all her drinks that aren't milk. I always like my placements to drink plenty of water during the day and tend to have beakers at the ready at all times.

Even if she's from a very chaotic background she'll respond well to a good routine so get this in place as soon as possible. Sometimes it's easier if they come without one at all as you can then fit them into one that suits you too.

Good luck!!!

Hello

Just wanted to update, the little girl, I'll call her Upsy, did arrive on that Thursday and she is truly wonderful. Thank you for advise. She is now sleeping through the night, eating lumpy food and sitting in a high chair which she had never done previously.

She has daily contact with mum for two hours which can be tricky juggling between her food / naps / school runs etc. She will be with me for about 3 months while her future is decided. My youngest DS is already smitten and I know it will be v hard to say goodbye but can't worry about that yet!

She is trying to walk and has fallen over a couple of times, the bruises were noticed by her dad who told social worker who told me he was concerened!! This is my only worry that when she hurts herself (as all toddlers do!) a finger of blame will land on me Dad (17 years) hadn't seen her for 6 months so clearly has no idea what toddlers get up to!

Cheers again

All sounds really exciting- how lovely to have a little person in your home. I would suggest re:bruises you record everything- every tiny detail. One of our LAC parents is obsessed about any mark at all and when anything even tiny happens I text link SW and email details to LAC SW- yes it's labour intensive but detailed record keeping has saved us from an allegation in the past! Have a lovely time with Upsy- she sounds gorge