Tips for shopping with kids
Here are a few tips to help you when visiting the shops with your baby and/or kids:
1. Write a shopping list or a places to go list (eg bank, shoe shop, morning tea shop, ride) and let your child know what you are looking for or what is next to do. Even if they are babies, involve them. If they are older, get them to help you find certain items or shops and get them to help you to remember what you need. They will love “helping” you.
2. Treats and snacks are a great distraction for little ones while you are shopping. A box of sultanas is great as they are healthy and take a long time to get through.
3. If you don’t want to give snacks, try singing and being silly with your child as you go through the aisles. Your shop will take longer but your child (and you) will have fun. Give them lots of kisses and play of game of surprising them where you are going to kiss the – they will laugh all through the shopping experience. This is also a great tool when you are waiting in the checkout line to be served.
4. At the shops, if you can keep your kids in the trolley or a pram, it makes it a much easier shopping experience. If you haven’t bought a pram yet and intend to have more than one child, a double pram is great and in the long run a very economical decision.
5. There are also some great shopping trolley covers available that include toys and pockets for snacks/drink bottles, as well as protecting your kids from nasty germs. Or try the new OnTray, a snack container that clips onto the trolley.
6. Always ensure you allow time for toilet/nappy change stops, snack stops and play stops. This will ensure your kids are happy and make your shopping experience less stressful and fun.
7. Remember where your closest parents room is, so last minute ‘I need to go to the toilet’ screams are less stressful. Always handy to take a change of clothes for babies and small children as you never know what is going to happen.
8. Many parents rooms also have areas for breastfeeding and bottlefeeding your baby, as well as a nappy changing area, a microwave and small toilets for toddlers. Find out what is available where you shop.
9. If you have a “runaway toddler” consider a safety harness or backpack with a detachable harness. There are mixed feelings about these, but honestly, if you have a child that runs off at the first chance, this might just save your little one getting lost or even hurt.
Blog us your best tips when shopping with your kids.
Please visit the Haggus and Stookles E-Store. You will find a terrific Child Safety Harness and some other high quality products for your kids outdoor activities there.
More interesting posts you will surely enjoy reading:
Going to the park for a play – a few tips
Toilet training tips when out and about with toddlers
Parenting Tips – visiting the shops with babies and children
