Fostering Babies & Toddlers: The Reality of Caring for Under 5s in Foster Care

What is it really like to foster a baby or toddler? In this episode of Let's Talk About Fostering, host Faye speaks with experienced foster carer Jamila, who has been fostering with FCA for six years. Together, they explore the realities of caring for babies and young children in foster care, from newborns and toddlers to sibling groups. While many people begin their fostering journey with the idea of fostering a baby, the reality is that children under one make up only a small percentage of those in care. Jamila shares her first-hand experiences of caring for babies and toddlers, discussing both the joys and challenges that come with fostering very young children. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ The differences between fostering babies, toddlers and teenagers ✅ How trauma can affect children, even before birth ✅ Common misconceptions about fostering babies ✅ Why many babies in care are placed alongside siblings ✅ Real-life examples of how young children develop trust and feel safe in foster care ✅ Tips for preparing your home and family for a young foster child ✅ How foster carers manage attachment and saying goodbye ✅ The importance of keeping siblings together whenever possible Jamila also shares some heartwarming stories from her fostering journey and explains why helping young children build secure foundations can have a lifelong impact. If you're considering becoming a foster carer and would like to learn more about fostering babies, toddlers or sibling groups, this episode offers valuable insight into what fostering young children is really like. 👉 Find out more about fostering with Foster Care Associates: https://bit.ly/49Ul0C1 👉 Subscribe for more fostering insights 👉 Learn more about fostering: https://bit.ly/4bmIuRO 👉 Follow us on social media: ‪@Letstalkaboutfostering‬ #Fostering #FosterCare #FosterCarer #FosteringUK #BabiesInCare #ToddlerFostering #FosterParent #ChildrenInCare #SiblingFostering #LetsTalkAboutFostering