“I knew it was the right decision”

• Fostering Stories
• Tags: Fostering babies

Laura’s story of fostering babies and toddlers

Laura has been fostering babies and toddlers for over three years. As a single parent with a young son, she wasn't sure fostering would be possible, but it was something she'd always wanted to do.

Today, she says it’s the best decision she’s ever made.

“I’d wanted to foster for years”

“I’ve been wanting to do it for years,” Laura explains. “My mum was adopted, and she’d been in foster care. Her experience wasn’t great back then, so I think that’s where it started for me.”

Timing, like for many people, wasn’t always right. But Laura stayed in touch with the fostering team until the time was right to take the first step.

“I knew the assessment would take time, so I wanted to get started. My son was about six months old when I began.”

Starting fostering while raising a young child 

After speaking with the fostering team, Laura was keen to explore fostering, and together we looked at how she could begin the process while making sure her son was part of the planning.

The focus was on taking things at the right pace, so everyone felt confident and prepared.

"We took it slowly," Laura says. “We made sure everything worked around my son. He was involved, and I never felt rushed."

Laura says the assessment process helped her feel ready for what fostering would involve.

"Caroline who did my assessment explained everything—what happens when a child arrives, the meetings you'll attend and who will be involved," Laura recalls. "It brought it all to life. Things you just wouldn't know otherwise."

“Every baby is different”

Laura has now cared for several babies, each arriving in completely different circumstances.

• One arrived just hours after birth
• Another came unexpectedly after an unplanned hospital admission
• Another joined her following a change in a mother and baby's circumstances

“They’ve all been so different,” she says. “Some come with no health issues; some need extra care—but every single one has their own story.”

The reality: patience, emotion, and support

Laura is honest about the realities.

“I think people assume babies don’t come with challenges—but they all have experienced something. You need to be open-minded and patient.”

She emphasises that support makes all the difference.

“You’ve got your social worker, the child’s social worker—and they want it to work for you. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t ask for help.”

A whole support network

For Laura, fostering isn’t something she does alone.

“My mum and stepdad are my main support. Without them, I couldn’t do this—especially as I still work part-time.”

Her experience shows that fostering can fit around different lifestyles.

“People often ask how I balance work and fostering, but there are ways to make it work."

Saying goodbye—and staying connected

One of the biggest worries for many people considering fostering is saying goodbye.

Laura admits it can be emotional—but also incredibly rewarding.

“All the children I’ve cared for have moved on to family. And I’m still in touch with them.  One child stays overnight every week, and one visits twice a month.

To them, I’m just part of their family—like an auntie. And that’s really special.”

Fostering as a family

Laura’s son has grown up with fostering as part of everyday life.

“He calls them his best friends,” she smiles. “Because he’s been around it from so young, it’s just normal for him.”

When children move on, she helps him understand through books and open conversations.

“It’s all about preparing them and including them.”

Laura’s advice for anyone considering fostering

If you’re thinking about fostering babies or toddlers, Laura’s advice is simple:

• Be open-minded – every child has their own experiences
• Ask for support – you’re never expected to do it alone
• Be ready to learn – every child will teach you something new

And perhaps most importantly:

“Don’t rule yourself out. I’m single, I work, and I make it work. There’s no perfect version of a foster carer.”