One of the most exciting times during an infant domestic adoption is when you travel to meet your new baby. Here are a few things you can do to make your trip smoother.

1. Domestic Adoption Travel Tips
One of the most exciting times during an infant domestic
adoption is when you travel to meet your new baby. While the
trip is not typically as long distance, or as costly, as the travel
required by an international adoption, it still has the potential
to be both expensive and stressful if you do not plan properly.
In addition, the trip sometimes occurs at the last minute (e.g.
if your match occurs late in the pregnancy or the birth mother
goes into labor suddenly). Fortunately, there are a few things
you can do to make your trip smoother.
Prepare ahead of time.

2. Often, you will find that you must suddenly travel in the
process of your infant domestic adoption. Sometimes,
matches take place just days or weeks before the baby is born.
Even if you have been matched early on with the birth mother,
you may need to travel at any moment when she goes into
labor. However, if you have the time, there are certain things
you can accomplish ahead of time that will make the trip
easier.
For instance, it may be wise to arrange time off with your
employer before you find yourself needing to leave. Typically,
you will need one to two weeks off, though you may need to
stay longer. You may not be able to tell your employer exactly
which dates you will be gone, but you can alert them to your
impending travel. In addition, you can consult your adoption
agency or do other research ahead of time to determine the
quickest and most inexpensive ways to travel.
Other practical steps you can take ahead of time are to find a
doctor for the baby and to make and freeze meals so you
have something to eat when you come home. With as many
details as possible arranged beforehand, you can more easily
focus on the actual travel when the time comes.
Build flexibility into your travel plans.
There are many factors that can impact the length and timing
of your trip. For instance, getting clearance to take your child
home to another state (called ICPC) can take anywhere from
a few days to a few weeks. In addition, different states have
different laws regarding how much time a birth mother has to

3. decide to relinquish custody of her child.
Because of these variables, it is wise to build flexibility into
your travel plans. For instance, alerting your employer to the
fact that your trip may be somewhat open ended can avoid
stress later if your trip is extended. If you purchase a plane
ticket, you should either purchase a one-way ticket or
purchase from an airline with low fees in case you need to
change your return date. By allowing for changes in your
travel schedule, you can prevent stress and better focus on
your baby.
Choose a spacious place to stay.
Another step to take in order to prepare for your domestic
adoption travel is to choose a place to stay that will be
comfortable for you and your baby. At the minimum, this
means choosing a place that has a kitchen or kitchenette
where you can heat water for bottles, wash dishes, and cook
when necessary. In addition, the place you stay should have
laundry facilities. Extended-stay hotels and hotel suites are
both good choices for places that will be comfortable for a
longer stay.
Some adoptive families are fortunate enough to find a place to
stay with friends, family, or other connections who live in the
area where they are meeting their baby. Asking around
among your own connections may similarly yield
accommodations that might be both comfortable and less
expensive than a hotel room or suite.

4. Have a support person in place.
All new parents, whether biological or adoptive, need the
support and advice of parents who have gone before them.
During your travel for your infant domestic adoption, you will
be spending days or weeks in a strange location caring for a
brand new baby. As a result, it is important that you have
someone prepared to help you handle the ins and outs of
caring for a new baby.
Whether it be a family member or a friend, choose someone
who can provide you with the gentle support and sound
advice you need to successfully navigate the first few weeks
of parenting. Being able to call this person at any time of the
day or night can be a lifesaver for moments when you feel
lonely, confused, or stressed about the adjustment to caring
for a newborn in a new location.
Pack the essentials for you and the baby.
Finally, no adoption travel is complete without packing the
essentials for you and the baby. You will require a number of
items to successfully care for yourself and your new baby
while you are away from home. You can find infant domestic
adoption packing lists through your adoption agency or online
that will give you an idea of what to bring with you. Some of
the basics include changes of clothing for you and the baby,
burp cloths, bottles, car seats, camera, adoption paperwork,
cell phone and charger, computer, and cash and credit cards.
Many of these essential items can be picked up once you

5. reach your destination, so do not panic if you do not have
time to purchase and pack them before your trip. However,
being able to pack ahead of time so you can simply pick up
and go when the time comes can greatly relieve your stress
and help you to have more time to focus on your baby once
you get to your destination.
Traveling for your infant domestic adoption will be one of the
most memorable trips of your life. Being ready for the phone
call that tells you it is time to go can be an important element
in enjoying rather than stressing over the trip. By doing what
you can ahead of time, building flexibility into your travel
plans, choosing a spacious place to stay, having a support
person in place, and packing the essentials for you and your
baby, you can enjoy a smooth and joyful trip to welcome your
child into your family.