When Can You “Give a Child Up” for Adoption?

Putting a Child Up for Adoption – Age Limit [Year-by-Year Guide]


Whether your child is a few months or even a couple years old, and you aren’t sure if you can continue parenting, you have options available to you. If you are considering adoption, you might be wondering, “At what age can I put my baby up for adoption?”  Technically speaking, you are able to place your child for adoption at any age.

That being said, the adoption process does get more difficult as your child gets older. The longer you parent your child, the more attached to one another you will both become, making the adoption transition difficult to adjust to.

Many adoption agencies aren’t equipped to handle placements of children over the age of 5. Most potential adoptive families are looking to adopt an infant or newborn. While this may be hard to hear, adoption isn’t out of the question, and you have other options available to you as well.

In this comprehensive article, you will learn about your options for placing your child for adoption at any age.

Placing your 1-Month-Old Up for Adoption

Can you put your baby up for adoption at 1 month old?

The answer is always yes. Choosing adoption for your 1-month-old is a brave and selfless decision. Maybe you thought you were prepared to raise your baby but are now realizing that you may not be able to give your baby the best life possible. Adoption is definitely an option that is available to you.

The adoption process for a 1-month-old won’t look too different from a newborn adoption. However, you have spent a month with your baby, and you may find the separation difficult, even if you know that this is the right choice for you and your baby.

While your adoption professional will require more information from you when placing older children for adoption, the process remains relatively the same for children ages 0-4 years of age. The process is as follows:

  • Step 1: Find an adoption professional. It’s important to find the adoption professional that can meet all your needs. Once you find the professional you feel is right for you, they can answer your questions and help you create your adoption plan for putting your 1-month-old up for adoption.
  • Step 2: Choose the adoptive family. Your adoption professional will match you with adoptive families that fit your criteria. You will then be able to review the adoptive family profiles and choose the perfect family for your baby.
  • Step 3: The adoptive family will be notified. When you have made your decision, the adoptive parents will be notified. While it is not required, you always have the option of meeting the adoptive family in person.
  • Step 4: Discuss post-placement contact. If you have chosen an open adoption for your baby, you can come up with a post-placement contact arrangement with the adoptive family and your child.
  • Step 5: Finalize the adoption. At this stage, you will officially consent to the adoption of your child. Your adoption professional can answer any questions you have and will make sure all the proper documents are signed.

Whether you’re considering “giving a baby up” for adoption after it’s a week old, 2 weeks old or 4 weeks old, “giving up” for adoption is never “giving up.” It is a selfless sacrifice made out of deep unconditional love for your child. Get started today by contacting an adoption agency.

Placing Your 2-Month-Old for Adoption

By this point, you may have begun to bond with your baby. Your child will begin to develop an attachment with you and you to them at this age. This might make choosing adoption more difficult. We understand that you want what’s best for your baby, and you feel that adoption is the best adoption.

You will need to factor the birth father’s parenting rights into your decision. After you have had your baby for 2 months, friends and family may judge you for your decision. It’s important to remember that this is your decision to make, not theirs.

If you know that adoption is right for you and are wondering, “How do I put my 2-month-old up for adoption?”  an adoption professional can help you get started today. This professional will always respect and admire you for making this brave decision, and they can walk you through how to put a 2-month-old baby up for adoption.

How to Put My 3-Month-Old for Adoption

If you have been parenting your baby up to this point, you may be wondering, “Can you give your baby up for adoption at 3 months old?”

Not only is the answer yes, but adoption can be the perfect way to provide your baby with an amazing life. This is a brave an selfless decision, but it is also a challenging one. Your baby is developing their sense of attachment. At 3 months old, your baby may have come to recognize you as their primary caregiver. This can make choosing adoption more emotionally difficult. These conflicting emotions are valid. Even though you know it’s what is best for you and your baby, it doesn’t mean you can’t experience feelings of grief and loss.

If the birth father has settled into a parenting role, you will need to be aware of his rights in adoption. You may face backlash from friends and family who don’t agree with your decision. Remember, this is your decision to make, nobody else’s. Reach out to an adoption professional that can help you navigate the adoption process and cope with the overwhelming emotions you may experience.

How to Place My 4-Month-Old for Adoption

At , you might be overwhelmed by the thought of placing your baby for adoption. You have had time to bond with your child, and the adoption transition can be difficult. If you know that this is the best choice for you and your baby, adoption is still an option for you. Reach out to an adoption professional that can help you cope with the difficult emotions of the adoption process and help you create an adoption plan.

Placing My 5-Month-Old for Adoption

At 5 months old, your baby is still an infant but adoption at this point will be different than newborn adoption. Your baby has begun to recognize your voice and differentiate you from other caregivers. Your baby is forming a stronger attachment to you, which could make choosing adoption more difficult.

The attachment you have formed might make you wonder “What if I regret my decision?” Speaking with an adoption professional can help you navigate these concerns so that you can make the choice that is best of you and your baby. They can also walk you through how to put a 5-month-old up for adoption, if and when you are ready to move forward.

Putting a 5-month-old up for adoption may be one of the most emotionally challenging things you ever do, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. This is a brave, loving and selfless choice that can provide your baby with an amazing future.

How Do I Place My 6-Month-Old for Adoption?

After parenting your baby for 6 months, you might be wondering if it’s too late to choose adoption. Adoption is still very much an option for you, and there are many adoptive families for a baby at 6 months old. Friends and family may try to talk you out of “giving up” your baby for adoption at 6 months. You know what’s best for you and your baby, and you are the only one who can make this choice.

At 6 months, your baby has likely developed a strong attachment to you at this point. He or she may feel anxious in your absence. This attachment will not make choosing adoption any easier. You might be worried that your child will resent you for your decision, but this is very unlikely. With today’s adoptions, you have the opportunity to stay connected with your child after placement. Your child will know that you made a selfless decision out of love by placing them for adoption.

If you are wondering, “Should I give my baby up for adoption at 6 months?” remember that you are the only one who can make this decision. If you want to talk with a trained adoption counselor about what this process could look like for you, contact an adoption agency today.

Putting My 7-Month-Old Up for Adoption

If you are asking, “Can I still give my baby up for adoption at 7 months?” know that the answer is yes. It is never too late to “give a baby up” for adoption, even after 7 months.

While placing your child for adoption is a selfless decision, it is not without its challenges. Your baby has made leaps and bounds in their development at 7 months. They are becoming more aware of the world around them and notice when you are not nearby. This attachment can make considering adoption even harder.

You may experience opposition from friends and family who may try to tell you that you are taking the “easy way out.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Adoption is a difficult and selfless choice that comes from a place of love. You will need to provide your adoption professional with additional information for the adoption process, such as: a copy of your child’s birth certificate, medical records, documentation of where the child has lived, record of who has provided financial support for the child, and any record of child support provided by any father.

If you are ready to start the adoption process for your 7-month-old, you can get free information now by contacting an adoption agency here.

How to “Give My 8-Month-Old Up” for Adoption

“Giving up” a baby for adoption at 8 months is absolutely an option for you.

While adoption is never an easy decision, you may find it more difficult to place your 8-month-old for adoption. You have likely formed an attachment with your baby.  They have developed object permanence, and may become fussy when you’re not close by.

The birth father will also have rights in the adoption. If he has been involved in raising your child, you will need to be aware of those rights. You will want to talk to him about your decision and discuss what the adoption plan will look like. You will also have to discuss your adoption plan with relatives and friends who may not agree with your choice.

Despite some of these potential challenges, placing your 8-month-old for adoption can be one of the most rewarding and worthwhile things you ever do. If you want to get more information about this brave and selfless choice, contact an adoption agency today.

Placing My 9-Month-Old for Adoption

Placing your 9-month-old for adoption is a valid choice. While it is a similar process to infant adoption, it is often more difficult due to your baby having developed an attachment to you and you to them.

You might be worried that your child will hate you for “giving them up.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. You are never “giving up” by choosing adoption, and with today’s adoptions, you have the option of staying in contact with your child after they have been placed with their adoptive family. Over time your child with grow understand that you chose adoption out of love.

If you would like to learn more about placing your baby for adoption at 9 months, contact an adoption agency today to get free information.

Placing My 10-Month-Old for Adoption

Placing a 10-month-old for adoption is an option for you. Reasons you might be considering adoption for your 10-month-old could be due to financial struggle, not having the support you need to raise your baby or not being able to pursue your dreams and raise a child at the same time.

Since your baby has established you as their primary caregiver, placing them for adoption can be very difficult for you. We understand that you are making this decision to give your baby the best life possible. If you choose to have an open adoption, you will still be able to be a part of your child’s life and watch them thrive.

To learn more about adoption for 10-month-olds or to start the process today, get more free information here.

How Do I Put My 11-Month-Old Up for Adoption?

Adoption is always a brave and selfless decision. However, the longer you raise your child before placing them for adoption, the harder it may be emotionally. You will have bonded with your child significantly by the time they are 11 months old, and separating from them can be overwhelming.

Adoption for an 11-month-old is also more complicated in terms of the information you will need to provide. You will be asked to provide your child’s birth certificate, medical records, the father’s name on the birth certificate, any child support provided by any father, and documentation of everywhere your child has lived, etc.

None of this is meant to scare you from pursuing adoption for your 11-month-old. If you are sure that adoption is right for you and your baby, it will be worth overcoming all of these challenges to provide your child with an amazing life. To learn more, get free information here.

Placing my 1-Year-Old for Adoption

If after a year, you are sure that you will not be able to continue parenting, you might be wondering if it’s too late to choose adoption. You could be asking, “Is it possible to give your kid up for adoption after a year old?” The short answer to this question is, yes. “Giving” a one-year-old child up for adoption can be one of the most rewarding and worthwhile things you ever do, because it can provide you and your child both with a brighter future. But the process of putting a 1-year-old up for adoption is not without its unique challenges.

By this point, you will likely have formed an in-depth attachment with your baby. This can make placing them for adoption more difficult when the time comes. You will also have to consider your child’s health, behavior and the father of the child and how all of these factors may affect the adoption process.  You will also be required to provide your adoption professional with the child’s birth certificate, health records, proof of financial aid provided by any father, and documentation of everywhere the baby has lived.

That being said, you can place your child for adoption as a one-year-old, and the right adoption professional will help you through every step. To learn more today, get free adoption information here.

Placing my 2-Year Old for Adoption

Can you give your baby up for adoption at 2 years old? 

How do you give a child up for adoption after 2 years?

I want to put my 2-year-old up for adoption. Where do I start?

These are common questions for many prospective birth mothers. First, know that the answer is yes, putting a 2-year-old up for adoption is possible, and there are many adoption agencies for 2-year-olds that can help you through the process. There are many families looking to adopt a two-year-old, and this process can provide your child with an amazing life full of love and opportunity.

However, if you are considering placing your 2-year old for adoption, it’s important that you are aware of the difficulties that come with this decision. You have bonded with your child for two years, which can make the separation much more difficult than if your child were a newborn. You might consider talking to an adoption counselor who can help you cope with these emotions.

You will have to consider factors such as your child’s health and behavior development, as well as how the father of the baby feels about your decision to choose adoption. While there are many loving families who would love to adopt a 2 year old, there may be fewer of these than of those looking to adopt a newborn. This means there could be a longer waiting period when finding the right family.

With these challenges in mind, putting a 2-year-old up for adoption can be an amazing choice for you and your child in the long run. To learn more about how to put a 2-year-old up for adoption, get free information here.

Placing my 3-Year-Old for Adoption

After 3 years of raising your child, you have had enough time to develop at attachment to your child, and they have likely become dependent on you. Their development has advanced in many areas. They can walk and maybe even speak in full sentences. After all of the time you have spent bonding with your child, adoption can be incredibly difficult.

While it’s less common, you can place your 3-year-old child for adoption. Most domestic agencies handle the placement of infants with some agencies will handling the placement of children up to age 4. If you’re wondering “How can I place my 3 year old for adoption?” consider reaching out to an adoption professional to get more information about your options and the many benefits of adoption such as 24/7 counseling, financial assistance, being able to choose the adoptive family, and more.

Putting my 4-Year-Old Up for Adoption

If you are considering adoption for your 4-year-old, this is a decision that comes from a place of love.  Even if you feel like you are not ready to parent, the adoption transition can be incredibly difficult.  Your child has developed an attachment to you and you to them than can make adoption hard to cope with.

While you may experience difficulties with the adoption transition and the logistics of placing a 4-year-old for adoption, adoption is still a beautiful choice to give your child the life they deserve. There are many families looking to adopt a 4 year old to give them a loving and supportive home. If you’re asking yourself “How do I put my 4 year old up for adoption,” contact an adoption professional to get more information on the process and the services available to you when you work with an adoption agency.

Putting a Child Up for Adoption at Age 5

At age 5, your child is likely at the maximum age that most adoption agencies are equipped to handle the placement of. So, if you are asking, “Can you put a baby up for adoption at the age of 5?” the realistic answer is that your options for doing so may be more limited. While fewer families are looking to adopt a 5-year-old, adoption may still be an option, so it is always worth reaching out to different adoption agencies to learn more about this possibility.

The adoption transition will be more difficult than an infant adoption. Both of you have had time to become attached to one another. Your child has had time to develop their own patterns and behavior, and transitioning to a new family could disrupt these patterns. There may also be additional steps to putting a child up for adoption at age 5, because you will need to provide additional information and documentation for your child regarding his or her health history, documentation of financial support provided by any father, and more.

You are not a bad parent for considering adoption for your 5-year-old.  You are actually the best parent for having the awareness to acknowledge that you may not be able to give your child the life they deserve. Adoption is always a selfless choice that comes from a place of love, and your child will grow to understand this.

Finding an Adoptive Family for a 6-Year-Old

While finding an adoptive family for a 6-year-old is difficult, you may still have options available to you. Most private adoption agencies are not equipped to handle the placement of an older child. The best option for you could be to reach out to a social service professional that can put you in touch with resources such as financial assistance or Medicaid, which can improve your situation to make parenting easier. Alternatively, if you know someone willing to adopt your 6-year-old, you could arrange a private adoption or temporary guardianship with them through a local adoption attorney.

“Giving a 7-Year-Old Up” for Adoption

Adoption is a brave and selfless choice that comes from a place of love. Most adoption agencies will not be able to provide you with the services you need to “give your 7-year-old up” for adoption. However, you may still be able to work with a local adoption attorney to arrange a kinship adoption or a temporary guardianship with a family member or friend. If this option appeals to you, reach out to an adoption attorney near you to learn how to put a 7-year-old up for adoption with a relative.

At this age your child has their own understanding of the world around them and their own behavior needs.  You should acknowledge these needs with care with any potential adoption.

Putting an 8-Year-Old Up for Adoption

At 8 years old, your child has their own set of needs and their own unique personality.  Putting a child up for adoption at age 8 can be challenging and finding a family looking to adopt an 8 year old might be difficult, though not impossible. Even so, your child has likely made friends and developed a routine. The adoption transition can be incredibly hard on your child, as the process could disrupt the patterns they have established. Consider reaching out to a social service professional so that they can discuss options with you that may improve your circumstances and allow you to continue parenting.

Adoption for My 9-Year-Old

While placing your 9-year-old for adoption is an option, transitioning to a new family as this age can be incredibly difficult for a child. They are beginning to develop their own sense of the world around them, and the adoption process can disrupt the routine they have established. If you’re wondering “Can I ‘give my 9 year old up’ for adoption?” the answer is yes. Keep in mind, though you are making this decision out of love, the attachment you have developed to your child can make considering adoption an emotionally painful decision.

If you don’t want to lose your child but don’t feel that you can raise them on your own, you have options available to you. You could see if you have a family member or close friend who would be willing to help care for your child while you work to improve your circumstances. If this isn’t a realistic option for you, reach out to a social service professional that can help you find local resources that may allow you to continue parenting or talk to an adoption professional to discuss the possibility of finding adoptive parents for your 9 year old.

Placing My 10-Year-Old for Adoption

If you have landed on this article, you may be asking, “Can I put my 10-year-old up for adoption?”

You are not alone in having this question. Parenting is difficult, and you may be at a point where you feel that your child should be placed with another family. However, the answer to this question for a child of this age can be a bit complicated.

While adoption is a brave and selfless choice, most adoption agencies are not equipped to handle the placement of older children, since most hopeful adoptive families are hoping to adopt a newborn or infant. If you aren’t sure if you can continue raising your 10-year-old, reach out to a social service professional who can direct you to resources that may be able to allow you to continue you parenting, or contact a local family law attorney to discuss your options.

How to Put Your 11-Year-Old Up for Adoption

Your child is reaching an emotionally sensitive age in terms of their development. Choosing adoption for your child at this age could make things incredibly difficult for both of you. Aside from the emotional complications of the adoption transition, finding people who want to adopt an 11 year old may also be difficult.  If you are considering adoption for your 11-year-old or wondering how to put your 11 year old up for adoption because your circumstances are working against you, reach out to a social service professional that can put you in touch with local resources that may be able to improve your situation.

Finding an Adoptive Family for a 12-Year-Old

Adoption can be difficult choice to make for your 12-year-old. While there are families that looking to adopt an 12 year old, most hopeful adoptive parents are looking to adopt an infant or newborn. If you are certain that you cannot continue parenting or aren’t sure if you want to put up your 12 year old for adoption, you have alternatives available to you. You can reach out to social services that can equip you with resources that could improve your situation and allow you to continue parenting.

Can I Put My Teenager Up for Adoption?

While you can place your child for adoption as long as they are under the age of 18, the process can be incredibly difficult. Teenage adoption isn’t nearly as common as infant adoption, and is rarely, if ever, carried out by private adoption agencies. While you are valid in feeling overwhelmed by the difficulties of raising a child, adoption might not always be the best decision.

Not only is it harder to find an adoptive family for a teenager, but your child’s development has progressed significantly. Their behavior and health may factor into the challenges of the adoption process. Transitioning into a new family as a teenager can be emotionally difficult, as it may disrupt the life they have established.

Finding an Adoptive Family for My Teenager

While there are absolutely people that want to adopt a 13-year-old or older teenager, most of these families will work with their state foster care system to locate potential adoption opportunities. This makes it difficult to find families looking to adopt 16-year-olds, 15-year-olds, and other teenagers. Unlike for newborn and infant adoptions, there are not private agencies with lists of waiting couples who want to adopt a teenager, and you should be extremely cautious before searching for an adoptive family looking to adopt a teenager online; not only can this be incredibly dangerous, but it may also be illegal.

Since domestic adoption for a teenager may not always be the best decision, you do have other options available to you. You could consider a kinship adoption. In this case, you will be able to place your teenager with a relative or close friend whom you trust, providing they agree with the adoption plan.

With this type of adoption, you should always work with an adoption attorney. You should not try to complete a kinship adoption on your own. Working with an attorney can ensure that the proper steps are being followed and that the placement is legitimate. Contact a local adoption attorney today to learn how to “give a teenager up” for adoption to a friend or family member.

Alternatives to Adoption for Older Children

Even though adoption at any age is always a brave and selfless choice, it may not always be the best choice as your child gets older. The emotional difficulty that can accompany the adoption transition as your child gets older can be too much to handle. Not only this, but adoptions for older children are more complicated logistically. It’s often harder to find an adoption agency that will perform placements for older children due to adoptive families typically looking to adopt newborns or infants.

Fortunately, there are other options available to you.

  • Contact social services. There are many state-run programs that can provide you with local resources and services, such as affordable housing, Medicaid, and financial assistance. A little help in the right areas can help make parenting possible.
  • Kinship adoption. If you are certain you want to pursue adoption, kinship adoption could be a possibility. With this type of adoption, your child can be placed with a relative or close friend that who agrees with the terms of the adoption plan.
  • Temporary legal guardianship. If you are not able to raise your child in the way they deserve, temporary legal guardianship may be realistic for you. This arrangement would allow you to legally place your child in the care of a guardian who would raise your child for a set amount of time. You will be able work on stabilizing your life and resume custody after the agreed upon amount of time has passed.
  • Reach out. If you are feeling overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities, maybe you just need a little help. Reach out to friends and family members who might be willing to watch your child for a day or two, while you take some time to rest and clear your mind.

Resources for Parenting:

Closing Thoughts

While placing your child for adoption at any age is possible, it’s not always easy. We understand that you just want what’s best for your child. There are options available to you that can help you give your child the life they deserve, full of love and support.

If you are considering placing an infant, toddler or preschooler for adoption, a private adoption agency can help. Reach out today to get the free information and support you need to take your next steps.


Ready to get started? Contact an adoption agency now to get free information.

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