The Differences between Newborn Adoption and Infant Adoption

Being an expectant mother is often challenging and brings up all sorts of different questions. The adoption process in Arizona can be quite tricky, and filled with terms and phrases that may be unfamiliar to you. For instance, you may come across the terms “newborn adoption” and “infant adoption,” and wonder at the difference between them. If you are new to the adoption world, these words may seem foreign and cause you to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry! We are here to help.

 At Adoption Choices of Arizona, we will do our best to clear up any confusion for you regarding adoption, to ensure that you have as positive and stress-free of an adoption journey as possible. To begin, we will explore the differences between newborn adoption and infant adoption to help you know which is best for you.

What is Newborn Adoption?

Newborn adoption may traditionally come to mind when discussing adoption options with expectant birth mothers. One of the defining characteristics of the different adoption processes is the range of time in which they take place. For newborn adoptions, specifically, that window typically lasts from any point before the baby is born to one month after birth. 

As a birth mother, this encompasses the period from when you are carrying the baby and choosing adoption, up until one month after the child has been born. 

What is Infant Adoption?

Infant adoption is a bit different from newborn adoption, in that it’s primarily separated by its time frame. The range of time for infant adoptions occurs after the child in question has already been born and is one month of age until about toddler age.. So, for instance, if you are placing a baby for adoption that’s between one month to two years, the best way to approach your adoption journey would be through infant adoption.

What are the Differences between Newborn Adoption and Infant Adoption?

As you can see, the major difference between newborn and infant adoption is the timing. One happens before your baby is born, one happens after. The adoption process for each is largely the same, although one may feel more rushed and/or expedited than the other.

Deciding to place your baby for adoption with newborn adoption, for instance, allows you more time to process, create your adoption plan, and think about what you want for your child’s future. Also, depending on what type of adoption you choose, you have more time to get to know your child’s adoptive family and form a relationship with them. But, we know that life doesn’t always go as planned, which is why there’s the option of infant adoption.

With infant adoption, as your baby is already born, your adoption caseworker will work quickly to place your child with a loving, caring and supportive adoptive family. You will still be able to have the same amount of control as you would with newborn adoption — choosing what type of adoption you want, selecting the adoptive parents, etc. — if you so choose. If you’d rather have our adoption agency find an adoptive family for you, that could be arranged as well. It’s whatever is best for you. 

Where do You Fit as a Birth Mother?

Adoption Choices of Arizona offer both newborn and infant adoption services, to accommodate birth mothers with varying circumstances. So whether you are just finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant, in labor or at home overwhelmed with parenting, it’s never too late to choose adoption. 

There is no right or wrong way to go about the adoption process. It all comes down to what is best for you and your child. Yet, if you have any doubts about raising your child or being a parent in general, it’s better to begin your plan early and opt for newborn adoption, so that you’ll have enough time to get everything in order and not feel as rushed in the end.

For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!

Meet the Author: Josh Drogemuller is a Senior at Grand Valley State University and has interests in writing and digital studies. A relative newcomer to the field of professional writing, Josh has spent the last eight years of his educational career honing his skills on the page. Josh is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Writing. 

Living in the Midwest, Josh looks forward to long baseball games and longer sentences.