- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting adoption articles
- iparenting adoption q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Buying Power
How to Shop Before You Adopt
By Denise Harris Hoppenhauer
Whoever invented shoes with Velcro closures was a genius. Kids can put them on or take them off by themselves. I really liked this aspect of the shoes that I left at the orphanage. I had seen the children slip buckled shoes on and off.
If you are able to visit your child prior to the adoption, you may be able to measure his feet to see what size shoes he will need. To do this, trace his foot on a piece of paper. Take this measurement with or without socks, depending on if they will be worn with the shoes. Measure the longest part of the foot from the longest toe to the heel. Use the following infant and toddler size chart for conversion.
| Shoe Size | Foot Length in Inches |
| 1 | 3 8/16 |
| 2 | 3 7/8 |
| 3 | 4 3/16 |
| 4 | 4 1/2 |
| 5 | 4 13/16 |
| 6 | 5 1/8 |
| 7 | 5 1/2 |
| 8 | 5 3/4 |
You will probably need to take a minimum of five outfits for your child. I recommend taking two outfits that should fit according to the available size information, two to three outfits that are the next size up and maybe one that is a size smaller. You will probably want to take clothing that can be layered or mixed and matched. Consider the following clothing options:
