How do I manage shopping when I have to grocery shop with them both at the same time. My hubby is going away on work for 4 months and I don't have anyone to help me with them while I do these kinds of errands. * My newborn is in her carrier and my 2 1/2 year old will NOT walk along side of me. What other options do I have?
2007-09-12 16:05:54 · 12 answers · asked by Jamie 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Thanks to everyone for the great advice, specifically the ones that did not have a comparison story of "I do it so can you" & "No whining please?" I too am a military wife, so I walk beside you, not in front of you or behind. I know what these deployments are like. Whether 4 months or a year. Thanks for the advice! ; )
2007-09-13 11:15:49 · update #1
Hi! I have a four month old and an 18 month old! My husband is gone sometimes for months with his work. We just moved here to a new place out of state away from relatives and friends, so I am alone.
When I go shopping I put my toddler daughter inside the cart and hand her stuff. The breakable items (like eggs or bread) go on the bottom rack or at the top next to the baby's carrier. If you really don't want to deal with the hassle, then ask a neighborhood kid to watch one or both of them for a couple dollars while your out. I think there are also probably some daycares that can take them at an hourly rate when you register them, but that may cost more than hiring a sitter or neighbor to watch them. Most of my neighbors will watch mine for free, though I always pay them.
I would seriously register my kids with the daycare in any case while your husband is gone. There may be some times when you need to see a doctor for yourself or want to just do something that they can't exactly be brought along. Having back up babysitters are important also in case of emergencies.
Its so hard to shop with two babies, I know, but when shopping day rolls around, have a free schedule. Don't rush yourself. Get all your shopping in for the whole week so you can avoid more inconvenient trips. Another thing it helps save money this way too! If you get a daily newspaper you can also collect coupons for diapers and stuff to save more throughout the week. With my coupons and planning, I am able to save 30% from when I was shopping more frequently without the kids.
Another tip is, have an exact list of items in hand. It just takes longer the other way. Keep lots of crackers, drinks, and a few toys in the diaper bag too.
Get a doublestroller. There are some sit and stand kinds that work fine and also side by side umbrella strollers. It will help you tons when your going anyplace, even to the doctor or whatever. I don't like those baby slings, they hurt my back, so I prefer the cadillac of all strollers, hehe.
If the time comes that you have forgotten something and HAVE to bake a cake for a guest or plan a last minute dinner party and need something, then pack the kids in the doublestroller and use the bottom basket to carry the small (5 or so) items that you need in. Don't go to the hassle of loading them up in the cart for just a few items! Strollers can be really handy at those times.
Carrying a loose toddler can be a real hassle so thats why strollers help a lot. If you decide to take them to a movie, go to a matinee when it is less crowded, don't bring in a stroller but have the carrier. Your toddler will enjoy that time with you. I have done all these things with my kids. Its the only way I survived time apart from my husband.
You can usually take your kids along with you to personal doctor appointments but I wouldn't advise doing it at the dentist or OB GYN check ups. But those don't happen often anyway. While your husband is away be sure to take frequent walks outside with the kids to parks or just for a power walk. The fresh air is good for them and also the exercise is good for you and will give you more energy to cope.
When you have to take a bath and need personal time for yourself, just busy your toddler with an activity in a baby proof room and bring the baby carrier/bouncer next to the tub so that you can watch the baby while you relax. It's tough but you can manage to do all the things you still like to do alone.
2007-09-13 09:26:42 · answer #1 · answered by Somebody'sMother 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a couple of things you can try. You can have a friend go with you or hire a sitter (if nothing else works, I know it costs money but may save your sanity). My kids are 18 months apart and I always take both of them with me. The baby in the top of the cart, then try a couple things with your 2 1/2 year old.
1-my gramma had four boys close together, she always wore dresses and said that the littler ones had to hold her skirt at the store. So I tried taking a key lanyard and hooking it to my belt loop. It had monkeys on it and I told my oldest that he had to hold the lanyard while we were walking in the store. It worked well, and I could tell if I felt a little pull that he was holding on.
2-after the lanyard I tried having him hold the side of the cart. That's what he does now and he does really well with it.
3-you could try a "harness buddy" they have them at walmart. It's a backpack that looks like an animal but the "tail" is a leash. You can hold the leash in one hand and have them walk near you wearing the harness. My son LOVES his "puppy backpack" and most parents who see us when he has it ask us where we got it because they'd love to have one too.
The other option is some stores like walmart have these double chair carts that have two chairs with straps (that the older one could sit in) as well as the regular cart (which you'd put the carrier on like normal). We have another store in town where the older kids can ride in the front of the cart and it looks like a car or bus or taxi. You could check other stores in town to see what they have available.
2007-09-12 16:25:48 · answer #2 · answered by average_american_superhero 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am in the same situation child wise. We shop at Publix and they have a cookie club where the child can have a small free cookie and balloon. I know this is not ideal but desperate times call for desperate measures so I make my very active 2 1/2 year old sit in the buggy with my infant in a chest carrier and I tell her if she is good she can have the balloon and cookie. Then I speed shop and have additional surprises in my purse for the toddler as her patience falls. (play phone, finger puppet, etc).
I reverse my shopping route so the cookies and balloons are the last stop too. See if your store does something similar and if not consider finding one that does give free cookies or buy your toddler a little one as you leave?
2007-09-13 07:59:41 · answer #3 · answered by ADC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a sling or carrier for your baby and put the toddler in the cart. Or get your toddler involved in the shopping by handing her things to put in the cart. Or teach you toddler to hold onto the cart. I have a 3 month old and a 2.5 year old and will often have my 5 year old nephew with me and i manage just fine!
Get the carts that have the extra seat in them and put your toddler in there. This really isn't that hard to figure out.
2007-09-12 16:20:09 · answer #4 · answered by llllll_amanda_lllllll 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest a few things. They do have carts at most stores with a section in the rear ( nearsest to you ) for up to two kids to sit in and then it still has the upper cart section that will allow you to put the 4 month old's carseat in there. the other suggetsion would be to find a baby sitter for one or the other to help a little. I know that some stores have a day care in them free of charge you could always drop off the 2 year old there they always have cool stuff for them to play with ( my daughter loves it lots of toys and video games to have fun with.
2007-09-12 16:18:54 · answer #5 · answered by me32994 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some grocery stores have the carts with the cars in the front so the toddler sits in there. S-mart has them. I've seen a few similar ones at Target. They usually only have a few and they are in the parking lot, so look around.
2007-09-12 16:13:40 · answer #6 · answered by Melissa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a nearly 3 year old and nearly 2 year old and I take them shopping all the time.
I make sure they have eaten and had a drink and get them to help me.
I point out the fruit and veges(they count out how many apples and bananas iI want etc) and get them to get things off the shelf.They won't sit in the trolley but love to help!
If they are good i let them hold a lolly pop and when shopping is finished they can have it.
i am very strict with them as I'm 4 weeks off having my 3rd baby and certainly could not have them misbehaving as I have to shop as my husband is away very frequently for work too.
2007-09-12 16:15:42 · answer #7 · answered by gym junkie mummy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
maybe you can put your 4 month old in a slingy and the 2 1/2 yr old can sit in the front seat of the cart. Best idea.
2007-09-12 16:16:29 · answer #8 · answered by Abc 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Put her in the cart and hand her everything to place in while you're shopping.. anything you can put under on the bottom do it.
And no whining, PULEESE! Try being a military wife who's hubby is gone for over a year at a time!
I went shopping by myself with twins from the time they were 3 weeks old until now (almost 4) and we coped, nobody starved due to lack of groceries.. :)
2007-09-12 16:14:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
You need Super Nanny to show your 2 1/2 yr. old how to mind. Why wont he walk beside you? If you have a good talk with him before you leave the house, he may decide he wants to walk beside you. I can't see letting a 2 yr. old rule you. If he can't walk beside you, take him from the store and explain the consequences of not doing it. Put him on the naughty mat!
2007-09-12 16:18:32 · answer #10 · answered by wundawoman 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋