Getting Started

Adopting a child is such a powerful, emotional experience that it's hard for parents to put it into words. But we got four families -- who adopted in different ways -- to tell us what it's like.

A few things you should consider before you adopt.

Find out if you'd be able to adopt a child.

Get the answers to common questions about adoption.

... adoption -- and get started on your journey. 1. Network. One of the first things you can do is talk... from a foreign country). Once you start networking, you'll be surprised at how many people have..., providing you know where to look. Start by going to the Web sites of organizations such as the National...

Adopting a child from overseas comes with a unique set of challenges. We take you through the requirements of five countries and share the lessons parents learned along the way.

How much does it really cost, and how will you pay for it?

Find out if adoption might suit you.

Find the method of adoption that best suits your needs.

You know you're pregnant, but when exactly will your baby make his big entrance? Use our pregnancy due date calculator to find out.

Wondering if you're pregnant? Answer a few questions and find if you might be.

Think that adoption is incredibly complicated? Here, the tale of one family who got the baby of their dreams.

Advice to help you through the process.

The one time you're actually supposed to eat more -- and now it suddenly seems like every food is off limits. Here, the final word on which foods to skip and which ones are A-OK during pregnancy.

As you embark on the new adventure of fatherhood, follow your instincts and our seven tips and you'll be on your way to awesome status in your kid's eyes.

..., decided they wanted to adopt a baby. They started working with an agency in April 2002 and were amazed... to get a call in July that a birth mother -- who was almost nine months pregnant -- was interested..., and start networking with other adoptive parents. The biggest decisions you need to make are whether you...

It's natural to worry about whether your infant is eating enough, sleeping properly, or crying too much. But don't let your protective instincts stop you from getting him out of the house, giving him tummy time, or teaching him to self-soothe. We'll help you face your first-year fears head-on.

When it comes to baby-proofing products, what you'll need will depend on the particular features of your home. Some items, however, are nearly universal. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

One thing led to another, and we became -- unexpectedly -- twice-blessed.

Find out how your age affects pregnancy -- and what you can to do ensure that both you and your developing baby are safe and healthy.

When this 20-something, fertile couple decided to adopt a child, they shocked family and friends -- and so did their daughter's birth mom.

Moms and dads from our Facebook community share the parenting routine or habit they feel most proud of when it comes to effectively raising happy, responsible kids.

What your doctor, babysitter, preschool teacher, and all the other pros in your life really wish you knew -- but wouldn't dare say to your face!

When it comes to dealing with bad behavior, everyone screws up. We'll help you do it right.

At first, we envisioned welcoming a baby into our home. But we soon discovered that adopting older children was right for us.