What is attachment? Debra Gray, author of Attaching in Adoption defines attachment as "an enduring family relationship that is formed over time and with shared experience". The steps you take to help forge this beautiful bond between parent and child are crucial.

HOW TO BEGIN...
The first steps toward promoting attachment in adoption can actually be taken before you bring your new child home. In most cases, the adoptive parents are able to send care packages to their new child-on-the-way. This care package is very important and gives you the opportunity to introduce your child to your family.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CARE PACKAGE...
1) A tape with your voice recorded on it. A simple handheld tape recorder can be purchased relatively inexpensively and you can both record on it, and then send the tape and recorder in your care package. My family took turns reading children's stories, singing lullabies, and just simply talking to our new child. When we met our child's foster mother (in Korea) we were thrilled to learn that she had been playing it for him every day!

2) Picture Toys. There are many baby/children's toys that allow you to place photographs into slots in the toys. We found a "Baby's First Photo Album" a photo rattle, a photo mobile, and a photo play cube. These are great to be able to put pictures of family members in. Make sure the pictures are close-ups, so your child can see the faces clearly. l

3) A blanket that picks up your scent. Try the "Comfort Silkie Bonding Security Blanket" which is designed to pick up Mom's (and or Dad's) scent. Sleep with this blanket in your bed, close to your body, as often as possible before sending it to your child. Being familiar with your scent during that first meeting can drastically improve your new child's comfort level with you.