What is the Difference between infant Adoption and Newborn Adoption?

If you have decided to place your baby up for adoption, you may come across two terms in your research that you’re not familiar with — infant adoption and newborn adoption. You also may see these terms used interchangeably, adding to the confusion. But not to worry. 

Adoption Choices of Missouri is a local adoption agency here to help! We are going to share with you the difference between infant adoption and newborn adoption, so that you can have a deeper understanding of how each could impact your adoption journey.

What is Infant Adoption?

Infant adoption is when a birth mother decides to place her baby for adoption before the baby is born. She can choose to do this at any point in her pregnancy; although, sooner is always better. This allows her time to create her adoption plan, choose the adoptive parents and get to know them before the birth depending on how much communication she wants to have after the adoption has been finalized. 

If you are currently facing an unplanned pregnancy and have decided that adoption is the best option, infant adoption would be a great thing for you to consider. We understand that you may be experiencing an overwhelming amount of emotions, and that choosing adoption when you’ve just discovered that you’re pregnant is not easy; but, remember this. There is no shame in wanting to give your baby a better life. There is nothing wrong with admitting you’re not in a place where you can provide for your child. Adoption provides your child with a loving, supporting adoptive family and everything you’re unable to. So, you can be sure that he or she will be well taken care of.

What is Newborn Adoption?

With newborn adoption, you may be in the middle of giving birth or already trying to parent your baby at home. Perhaps you felt too overwhelmed to make a plan, or you thought that you were ready to raise a child. But then, whether in the hospital or caring for a new baby at home, you changed your mind. Whatever your circumstances, newborn adoption is there to provide you with an excellent solution.

Just like with infant adoption, you will still get to create an adoption plan, choose what type of adoption is best for you and select the adoptive parents. However, you may find the adoption process to be a bit more expedited. This is just to ensure that both you and the baby are well taken care of in a shorter amount of time, since he or she is most likely already born. If you are looking for a quick adoption with little to no strings attached, our adoption agency can choose a pre-screened adoptive family for you. It’s all completely up to you and your comfort level.

The Difference Between Infant Adoption and Newborn Adoption

As outlined above, the biggest difference between infant and newborn adoption is the timing. Each option presents soon-to-be birth mothers with appropriate options that will accomodate you, no matter your circumstances. If you feel like you need more time to prepare — physically, emotionally and mentally — infant adoption would be a good option to consider. If, however, you are confident in your decision and want a fast adoption at the hospital, or you change your mind at the last minute, our adoption agency is here to help you with newborn adoption. 

There is no right or wrong decision between the two. You will have full control over your adoption journey no matter what. Your baby will be placed in a caring and loving adoptive family either way and provided with a better and brighter future. Nothing happens without your approval and the green light to move forward. At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you what you want to do.

Which is Right for You: Infant Adoption or Newborn Adoption?

Adoption is a wonderful option to choose if you are not in a place where you can or can raise your child. Every baby deserves a chance at a great life and given every opportunity to grow. We hope that this resource has given you more insight into the difference between infant adoption and newborn adoption, and how each can impact your adoption journey. Both provide you with plans that keep the best interests of you and your baby in mind. 

No matter what you decide, infant and newborn adoption guarantee that your baby will find a loving home, and that you will have peace of mind and confidence that you made the right choice. Through your selflessness and bravery, you can create families and bring happiness to those who are looking for it. 

For contact and all things adoption, navigate here to reach us. 

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800

Meet the Author: My name is Alexander Charles Cooper, I come from a family of four that originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I, along with my younger brother Greyson were born in North Carolina, three years after my parents had wed and moved to the state. Alexander shares his birthday with Maya Angelou, which he takes great pride in. 

Growing up, Alexander had the privilege of having both parents in his life and a stable upbringing in which he was surrounded by family and friends. He believes that much of his family foundation is built on faith which has given him a discipline and practice that has allowed him to discover and build his spiritual self. He is also interested in politics and worldly news that allows him to excel in American literature, philosophy/ethics, and higher learning. 

From that, his passion in writing bloomed and he found his true calling: “I wished to create and write for a living and know it will be what makes me happiest. My only wish is for me to bring about positive change for others both near and far and leave a lasting legacy that contributes to the overall wellbeing and joy of others.”