Fostering young children and babies

Fostering babies, newborns, toddlers and infants

A foster carer sitting at the table with a baby boy and his brother

Fostering babies, newborns, toddlers and infants is a 24-hour job - the same for all parents and carers.

Circumstances for fostering babies and toddlers include:

  • babies born to parents whose previous children have been removed for child protection reasons
  • parents unable to parent because of drug/alcohol related issues
  • babies or toddlers who have been placed for adoption with parental consent

Babies in need of foster care may arrive during a crisis. They may be tired, frightened and hungry, and will need a lot of care and attention to help them settle down.

They may end up staying for just a few days, several months or even years.

Foster care for babies and the birth parents

Fostering babies can involve working closely with the child’s birth parents, perhaps to enable them to be more confident and successful in looking after their children.

Once decisions have been made about the baby’s future, short-term foster carers have a vital role in preparing them for a move, whether it is back to their parents or on to an adoptive home.

Saying goodbye can be both sad and satisfying. Knowing you have helped a baby or infant through a difficult time in their life.

Interested? Request an information pack or a callback

Request an information pack

Telephone: 0300 300 8181

About our fostering service

Ofsted good providerOur fostering service has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Our wonderfully diverse community of foster carers also agree that they are happy and proud to be part of Central Bedfordshire’s fostering team.

You can read our latest report on the Ofsted website.