Buy pajamas on different sizes. You can't be prepared with a wardrobe full of clothes for all ages, but you can have pjs. It's nice for a foster kid to be welcomed into a home with new pjs and a new toothbrush. Then the next day you can go to target or Walmart or whatever and get everything else you need.

Not sure I'd break the bank buying a ton of stuff before you are surer about age. If you passed a homestudy, then your house already has safety stuff, but I'd just double check that everything is totally childproofed and that you have a great first aid kit. I'd get the things you'd need for any age child, like unbreakable cups and dishes, extra towels, stock of cleaning supplies, general self-care supplies appropriate for toddlers on up. For the rest, I would go ahead and get Amazon Prime and pick out stuff you would need for each age child, put it in your "cart" and then click "save for later" on each item. When you find out what age child you are getting, you can put items you want back into your cart, order them, and have them come quickly. Similarly, go to your nearest Target and get a good idea of what you could get for each age child, so you can be ready when the time comes.

The few people I know who have done foster care have never gotten infants or toddlers. I know that is not exactly a scientific survey, but I just think about how much money they would have wasted if they'd gone out and bought a ton of baby stuff. I'd maybe get a pack and play to use for a temporary crib just in case. There tend to be a lot of them on Craigslist and at yard sales. A toddler could sleep in a pack and play. For older kids, I would assume a twin bed would be good. Maybe buy safety rails on the chance you have a preschooler who is just out of crib/toddler bed age?

Maybe stock away a few freezer meals so you don't have to cook those first few days the child is there?

I would definitely sweetly put the word out that this is something you are doing and that Target (or similar) giftcards and help getting things quickly when the time comes would really be appreciated. Good luck to you.

http://fostercareourlovestory.blogspot.com/2011/02/prepping-our-house-for-foster-care.html has some good suggestions.

Beds, cribs, convertible car seat, different size diapers, bottles, sippy cups, kid-sized utensils and unbreakable bowls/plates, wipes, PJs (or sweats) in different sizes, crayons and paper, books, DVDs, easy kid-friendly meals (mac and cheese, frozen pizza), baby carrier, stroller, blocks, baby/kid shampoo/soap/lotion (different items needed for different races), stuffed animals, mattress/crib pad, nightlights.

Most important: Amazon Prime or Mom subscription, and friends who will run to Target for you within a few hours of the placement.

Lice shampoo. Disposable gloves (surgical).

Household items. Extra underwear and socks, items to child-proof the house. Patience.

Our paperwork is in our a social worker says it usually only takes a few days. Any foster parents with advice/things you wish you'd thought of before your first placement? We have a pretty large age range (0-12) so I haven't bought anything, but I wonder if there are general things I should get?