Shopping with 2 under 2: Tips and tricks
Is it just me or does anyone else get anxiety just thinking about taking your kids to the grocery store? I found it to be difficult when I had one baby, now with two, especially two under two, it seems almost impossible. The anxiety that consumes me keeps me from carrying out my everyday tasks and chores at the store because I am terrified of leaving the house with them alone. I have had to overcome this fear because let's be real, you can't stay inside forever. We'd starve. I wanted to share some of my tips and tricks to shopping with two under two.
1) First and foremost, the most helpful tip I can give you is for you to purchase a Shopping Cart Hammock.
Since discovering the shopping cart hammock, our trips to the grocery store / shopping have been made 100x easier! This hammock can hold up to 50lbs! Incredible, I know! Not only can your newborn use this, using the safety harness attached; but, you're toddler can sit inside (up to 50lbs!) or you can place your entire car seat on the hammock using the straps attached to buckle in your little one. For us, we love putting Finn inside the hammock because it allows us to have more space in the cart and allows us to avoid using a stroller or carrying the car seat around separately. This is hands down an incredible product! I highly recommend. If you want to shop your own shopping cart hammock use the link provided here: Shop the Binxy Baby Hammock.
2) Bring snacks: I highly encourage you to pack snacks for your toddler in the diaper bag! This is going to save you a tantrum when they see all the snacks in the store and want to eat everything in sight! This way you avoid opening snacks and buying them. Plus, you will keep your little one occupied.
3) Feed your newborn before you leave for the store. If you ensure that the baby is fed, you will eliminate the need to take them out of the cart, find a washroom/nursing room to feed them. This will make your trip quicker.
4) Make a list/tackle the store in sections: Make a list to ensure you are making the most of your time. This way you can tackle the store in sections and eliminate the need to circle back around to find an item you missed.
5) Bring a book/toy with you: I find that bringing a book or small toy into the store helps to keep Addison occupied enough to distract her from the fact that she is restrained in a seat.
6) Grab yourself a coffee before you start your shopping! This one is just for fun! This has proved to be extremely helpful for me! If I am caffeinated then I am more happy, less irritable and more ready to tackle the task at hand!
