Choosing adoption for a child is never easy, but it could be the best thing for yourself and your child. Depending on how old they are, you probably have questions about the age limit to put a child up for adoption and if it’s too late for your situation.  

As you’re reading this article, you might find yourself with some new questions. To learn more about putting a baby up at any age, please fill out our free information form to speak with a professional.

The first thing we want you to know is that it’s never too late to learn more about adoption after parenting. We know that if you’re asking this question, then you’re probably facing a difficult situation in which parenting is no longer an option. But no matter what you’re going through, we want to do everything we can to help you find a solution.

Whether you’ve recently come home from the hospital with your child in tow, or it’s been a few weeks — or even months or years — we have everything you need to know about the putting a child up for adoption age limit.

Can You Give Your Baby Up for Adoption Month at 1 Month or Under?

Maybe it’s been a few weeks or a little less since you’ve had your baby, and you’re unsure if parenting is right for you. In this case, you’re probably asking yourself, “Can you give your baby up for adoption after 1 month or less?”

If you’re in this familiar situation, we want to reassure you that you’re not alone. Thoughts of not being able to parent your baby after taking them home from the hospital are common, and it doesn’t mean that you’re a “bad mother” or that you don’t love your baby enough.

The first thing you should know is yes, you can always contact an adoption professional for your baby. Even if you’ve already brought your baby home from the hospital, it’s never too late to choose adoption. Whether you’re “giving up” 1-month old baby for adoption or placing a baby up for adoption at 2 weeks, an adoption professional can walk you through the process from start to finish.

How do I put my 2-month-old up for adoption?

You don’t have to choose adoption during your unplanned pregnancy.  Even if your baby is two months old, it’s never too late to make an adoption plan for them.

Adoption agencies are equipped to handle any “last-minute adoption” for even a 7-week-old baby. The adoption process might be confusing, but an adoption professional will do everything they can to make the process as easy for you as possible. Once you contact an agency, they’ll walk you through the process and help you find an adoptive family who will travel to you for placement.

Can You Give Your Kids Up for Adoption at 3 Months Old?

So, it’s been a few months since you’ve brought your baby home from the hospital. Like all new parents, you’ve been busy trying to get into the rhythm of new parenthood. But what happens when it’s been a few months and you’re still not sure if parenting is the right choice for you? Can you even put a child up for adoption after a few months?

Absolutely. But as your child is starts to get older, you might start to see some unique challenges. For example, your child is developing their attachment to you around 2 and  3 months old. While this doesn’t need to deter you from adoption, it’s still something you should keep in mind.

If you ever need someone to talk to about placing a 3-month-old up for adoption, don’t forget that free counseling is available to all prospective birth mothers. This service can help you decide if adoption is really right for you and can help you through the transition if you decide to place.

Can you Place a 4-Month-Old Up for Adoption?

Thinking about placing a 4-month-old up for adoption is more common than you might think. But you might be worrying: is it too late? Not at all.

Placing a baby up for adoption after 4 months is still a possibility. However, there are some unique challenges you should be aware of, such as your child’s growing attachment to you. You don’t have to let this stop you from choosing adoption, but it is important to keep in mind as you consider continuing parenting vs. adoption.

If you do decide to place your 4-month-old up for adoption, you can give your child an amazing life with their adoptive parents who they’ll also be able to form an attachment to.

Is Putting a 5-Month-Old Up for Adoption Possible?

Yes! If you’re looking up how to put a 5-month-old for adoption, know that this is still an option for you. We know that there are many reasons why a woman would consider putting a 5-month-old up for adoption, and that you’re facing an incredibly difficult situation. But no matter what you’re going through, we want to help.

Like we’ve mentioned, there are a few unique challenges to placing an older infant up for adoption. Specifically, their attachment level to you. While this won’t prevent you from choosing adoption, it’s an important aspect to be aware of.

But, the nice thing about adoption is that you’ll be able to continue a relationship with your child and the adoptive family through an open adoption. With this, you can have as much contact as you feel comfortable with and develop an ongoing, meaningful relationship.

Should I Give My Baby Up for Adoption at 6-Months? 

You are the only one who can and should make this decision. But we know that at 6 months, you’re probably wondering if adoption is even a possibility.

The answer to that is still a yes. But, because they’re already 6 months old, you should be aware that separation may be harder. If you have any questions about what it’s like to place a 6-month-old for adoption, or how to find adoptive families for a baby at 6 –months old, your adoption professional will walk you through the process.

Is it too Late to Give My Baby Up for Adoption after 7 Months?

Not at all.

If you’re asking, “Can I still give my baby up for adoption at 7 months?” the answer will always be yes. But at 7 months, your child is getting used to you more and more every day. Not only that, but you also need to take into account the rights the birth father will have in an adoption if he’s involved, along with your friends and family’s reaction to choose adoption.

This might sound overwhelming, but a good adoption professional will be by your side every step of the way to make this process as easy as possible. Some of the best agencies are even available 24/7, so you‘ll be able to reach your adoption professional any time you have a question or need support.

If you know that putting a baby up for adoption at 7 months is the right choice for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to an adoption professional for more help and information on how to start the process.

What Should I Know About Giving Up a Baby for Adoption at 8 Months?

While “giving up” a baby for adoption at 8 months is always possible, there are some important challenges you should be aware of — namely, birth father rights in an adoption, your child’s growing level of attachment, and your friends and family’s opinion of adoption.

These aspects can make a “last-minute” adoption more difficult, but we promise that an adoption professional will walk you through the process from start to finish. And, if you know adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, the end result will be well worth it. It may be challenging now, but adoption can give your baby an amazing life full of endless opportunities.

Should I Place My 9-Month-Old Up for Adoption?

At 9 months, your baby is getting ready to start walking by holding onto furniture. They’re growing up more and more every day, and it can be incredible to watch.

Seeing how much they’ve grown and how close they’re getting to you can make it harder to place them for adoption. But if you know that choosing adoption for a 9-month old is right for you, an adoption professional can walk you through the process. They’ll be able to help you find the perfect adoptive family and make a plan for helping you and your baby transition.

Is Adoption for 10-Month-Olds Possible?

Yes, it is! But, like any type of older infant adoption, there will be some challenges ahead of you. Even so, you can still receive help from an adoption agency for an adoption for 10-month-old. Look for a large, national agency that works with plenty of adoptive families, offers 24/7 support, and will be with you every step of the way as you help your baby transition to their adoptive family.

National agencies with these services and resources are typically better able to help you find adoptive parents who are open to adopting a 10-month-old.

Is Adoption for an 11-Month-Old Possible?

It is. In fact, many birth parents choose adoption at this age, and there are waiting families who would love to adopt your child.

We know that, right now, you’re probably worried about the process of placing an 11-month-old for adoption. But we promise that the process of placing an 11-month-old for adoption is simpler than you may think. To start this process, please reach out to an adoption professional for more information on adoption for an 11-month-old.

Is Putting a 1 Year Old Up for Adoption Possible?

It might be hard to believe that a year of parenthood has already gone by. If you’ve reached this point, and you’re still thinking about adoption, you might be wondering if it’s an option for you.

The answer to this is still yes. Putting a 1 year old up for adoption is possible. However, the process of placing an older infant for adoption will be slightly different than a newborn.

As such, it’s important to work with a skilled professional that can walk you through the process of putting a 1-year-old up for adoption from start to finish.

A large, national adoption agency will have more waiting parents hoping to adopt a 1-year-old, as well as the resources to offer the additional services you and your baby will need, like 24/7 availability and support.

Can You Give a Child Up for Adoption at 2 Years Old?

While putting a 2-year-old up for adoption is not as common as a newborn adoption, it is certainly possible. Like most older child adoptions, everything is done on a case-by-case basis. Before you decide on putting a 2-year-old up for adoption, be sure to do plenty of research about the unique challenges that come with it. Adoption professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions, help you explore your options, and support you through every step of the process if you decide to move forward.

Is Putting 3-Year-Old Up for Adoption an Option?

It is possible to learn how to give a child up for adoption at 3 years old. We know that this decision is never easy, and placing a 3-year-old may  be even harder emotionally.

By now, your child has developed in so many areas. They are learning more about the world and your place in it every single day and being separated can prove painful for both of you. You are considering something incredibly brave and selfless by putting your child‘s needs above your own.

That’s why it’s so important to reach out to a professional to learn more about what’s possible in your situation. Any adoption professional you reach out to will explain what your options are for your situation.

Can You Put a 4-Year-Old Up for Adoption?

If you are wondering, “Can I put my kid up for adoption?” the answer here is still yes, in some situations. An adoption for a 4-year-old is still possible, but because of their developmental progress, it may be even more difficult for you and your child.

Adoption is still possible, but it may be a little more difficult when it comes to finding families looking to adopt a 4-year-old, as most families working with private agencies are only equipped with the tools for a newborn adoption.

Working with a large national adoption agency will be your best bet; because they work with a larger number of families, they will be better able to help you find parents open to adopting a 4-year-old.

Can You Put an Older Child Up for Adoption?

Once a child is 5 years or older, things can get more complicated.

Most private adoption agencies primarily work with infants and newborns under the age of 1. Sometimes they can work with a child who is around 3 or 4, but that depends on each unique situation. So, while we would like to say that it’s possible to place a 5-year-old up for adoption, it really depends on your unique circumstances.

Similarly, if your child is 6, 7, 8 or even a teenager, you may be wondering if you can put an older child up for adoption. The reality is that, in most cases, private domestic adoption will not be possible at these ages.

While every agency is different, but the typical age limit is around 4 years old. Instead, you might look to see what resources are available that can make continuing parenting a feasible option.

There are some professionals that may be able to help, but as always, be sure to do plenty of research to make sure you choose the right option for you. For example, you might decide to pursue a temporary guardianshipwith the help of family members or someone you trust while you get back on your feet. Or, you might decide to check with your state’s social service department to see if they can help.

To learn more about what options are available in your unique situation, it’s a good idea to reach out to an adoption attorney. Another option is your local social services department to learn more about what kind of parenting resources are available or the possibility of a kindship adoption or a temporary guardianship.

What if I Can’t Put My Child Up for Adoption?

Even if placing your child up for an adoption through an agency is no longer possible because of the age limit for “giving up” for adoption, there are still resources available that may make parenting possible. A few of our suggestions are:

• Your local WIC
• An adoption professional that can offer more resources
• A counselor with family therapy or adoption experience
• Your close, supportive friends and family
• A local family law attorney, who may be able to arrange a temporary guardianship or kinship adoption

We know that you’re going through a lot right now, so if you have any questions at all about the cut-off age for putting a child up for adoption, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the above resources for help. You are not alone, and there are more parents in this situation than you know.

If you are considering adoption for a child age 4 or younger, don’t forget to fill out our free information form to talk to an adoption professional who can point you in the right direction.