Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Phoebe's orphanage




Phoebe was found in a cardboard box outside of the gate of the Yugan Old Folks Home near her orphanage on the day of her birth.  A note was left with her.  I will always be able to tell her that her mother loved her enough to leave her in a place that she would be found quickly and taken care of.
Phoebe is the baby with the red blanket over her.  The baby with the animal print blanket was adopted earlier this year.  They were likely roommates.  Phoebe was approximately 5 months in this photo.  The babies are heavily bundled and placed in these baskets from about birth until they can hold themselves up easily and for warmth.
Cribs have mats instead of soft mattresses.  Adults sleep on mats like these as well.
If it is warm enough, babies are placed in these little wooden carts.  Babies are not diapered in China, but instead wear pants that are split.  The carts have an opening and a tray is placed underneath.  This seems very odd to Americans, but is normal in Chinese culture. 


1 comment:

  1. Interesting info about the orphanage. My husband and I loved the split pants in China. I always wondered how they got their kids not to just go anywhere!

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