The Best Way To Shop With Baby In Tow

Warning to all self-proclaimed shopaholics: Even the most devoted bargain hunter may experience symptoms of reluctance, withdrawal and general loathing for a task they once adored. The reason for the change of heart? An unwilling new shopping companion, who shares his distain for the mall with bursts of sustained wailing and tears.

Are all new moms destined to turn from shopaholic to shopaphobic? The truth is, shopping does become more difficult once your newborn arrives. But the good news is a little planning can make your shopping experience efficient–and even enjoyable–again.

Enjoy the early months

“When my kids were 0 to 6 months, it was a lot easier to go shopping,” says Dina Venezky, founder of High Maintenance Mom and mother to two boys. “I could put the youngest in the snap-and-go and he was entertained by looking around.” Even occupying her older son was easier when her youngest was a newborn. “He was proud to help out while we shopped.”

Removable car seats that can be placed in a snap-and-go or a shopping cart are ideal because a lot of newborns will fall asleep on the drive to the mall and stay asleep while you shop. Other moms prefer using a sling or carrier to hold their newborn. “I found it was too difficult to push a stroller or cart and shop,” says Liz Gumbinner, co-founder of Cool Mom Picks and mother of two. Carrying your baby is a comfort and will let you concentrate on what you need to buy.

Shopping with an older baby or toddler

Once babies hit 7 or 8 months, their attention span dwindles and shopping can become more difficult. A few months later when your toddler starts to walk things become even more challenging. “I always had a bottle handy, a blanket and a pacifier,” says Nancy Jambazian, mother to 3-year-old Quincy. “Pacifier is the perfect word, it really pacifies your child.” Jambazian would also hang dangling toys from a portable infant car seat to help occupy her son. Once he got a little older she decided to tire him out first. “Malls with indoor playgrounds are great,” says Jambazian. She always plays first to tire out her son, then finds he’s content to let her do her shopping. If there isn’t a playground, the toy section of a store such as Target will also do the trick.

Breastfeeding on-the-go

One of the biggest shopping hurdles for new moms is breastfeeding in public. Most newborns need to be fed every few hours, which means short trips or finding a private place to feed. “You have about 90 minutes if you don’t want to breast feed in public,” says Venezky. “It took me a while to get comfortable breastfeeding around others,” she says. “I usually fed my baby in the car before or after shopping. Cars are safe places for feeding.” Venezky adds that many department stores have lounges in the bathroom specifically for breastfeeding. “It’s a private place to take a break.

The solo shopper

If your spouse or a friend offers to watch your child for a few hours, take advantage of it. “Any time a new mom can get some time by herself, she should take advantage of it,” says Margaret Shinnebarger, founder of A New Mom and mom to two children and two stepchildren. “You need alone time.” You will be able to relax and get a lot more done with someone looking after your baby. Jambazian says she tried to go out whenever her newborn went to sleep. “I would leave him with my partner or aunt and know I had about two hours to shop.”

Groceries and the basics

Online stores are a saving grace for some new moms, but Venezky warns that buying online groceries requires some advance planning. “You have to plan what you’re going to eat a week in advance,” she says. “I never got to that point.” She finds Whole Foods to be one of the most kid-friendly grocery stores. “When I go to a more traditional supermarket, everything at eye level for my kids is loaded with sugar. Whole Foods doesn’t tempt them with foods that are unhealthy.” Jambazian adds that she likes shopping at Whole Foods because of the carts. “Many of their stores have special carts with a fire engine or police car attached to the front. It’s very helpful for keeping your child occupied.” She also suggests Wild Oats because they have mini shopping carts your child can push. “I try to make my child a part of the shopping experience,” says Venezky. “If he helps pick out the fish, there’s a greater chance he’ll eat it.”

Clothing for you and baby

Clothing is a lot easier to buy online and allows for time to browse while baby is sleeping. Venezky warns that sizes vary for kid’s clothes from store-to-store so she recommends repeat buying at one or two places so you can be confident in sizing. If you do head to the mall with your little one, Jambazian says to look to stores with family-sized dressing rooms that allow room for your baby to play while you try on clothes. But above all, Gumbinner advises to check for return policies. “Frenzied moms are prone to make a few mistakes.”

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Nancy Ripton is a professional journalist the co-founder of justthefactsbaby.com, a go-to guide for new moms and moms-to-be. Justthefactsbaby.com offers a unique combination of 30-second quick facts (for moms on-the-go) and in-depth, professionally written articles. Justthefactsbaby.com also boasts a baby route map system to help you find the most child-friendly spots in your hood.

(Published on The Parent Link on Oct 1, 2008)

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