What are some suggested basic items

[u/Sufficient_Banana99]

Any suggestions for must have items to get started fostering? Our age range to start off will be 0-12. We don’t want to over buy but also don’t want to be completely unprepared. Any suggested must haves?

[u/Tall_Pop50]

Commonly liked easy foods and snacks helpful for in the middle of the night or if the kid doesn’t like a meal. Daipers for all ages yes even the older ones, a mattress water protector for anyone at all, basic comfy clothes and pjs for all ages,hygiene stuff pads soaps etc comfort items and prizes/presents they can have

[u/FairlyGoodGuy]

A fully-stocked bedroom that looks like "their" bedroom -- or at least a child's bedroom, rather than a generic "guest" bedroom -- is ideal. You want it to be clean and tidy, yet not feel like a soulless hotel. Kid-friendly furniture, bed sheets, blanket, and pillows, for example, are a big help. (Don't forget a mattress protector!) Consider having a wall that they can (help you) paint any color they want to really help them put their mark on their space.

Everybody needs their own toothbrush, naturally, but depending on age and needs, think about other toiletries like hair brushes, hair oils, mirrors, soaps, wash cloths/loofahs, lotions, and so on.

Try to find items that can be easily (and inexpensively) customized for each child. Maybe keep some frames around that you can put artwork or photos into that directly relate to the child. Have brand new art supplies (crayons, pencils, etc.) that can be theirs. Ensure used toys are clean and not broken. A library of books geared toward various reading levels and interests is a plus. Similarly, having a "library" of outdoor toys and games will come in handy.

If you're fostering young kids, you'll need age-appropriate kitchen supplies like plates, cups, and utensils. Be ready to install latches on all of your cabinets and outlet protectors throughout your house. Oh, and remember that furniture you bought that came with anti-tip hardware that you didn't bother to install because it seemed like a pain at the time? Now is the time to install it.

[u/Natural_Record_7686]

Basic toiletries, clothes, bedding, art supplies for older kiddos. It’s also really important to let them pick some of their things out in aspects of clothing and things for their spaces. Kids feel a lack of control when going through the foster system and need someone who sees them for more than just another child. Prepare a safe space where only they can go and offer some comfort items. For the kiddos I’ve fostered the items that made the most difference was a personal blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, and hygiene products.

[u/Agreeable-Helper]

I would buy a few school supply basics during the back to school sales (now) because they are a lot more expensive if you need to buy them in November or March etc.