This is a sponsored guest post.
A quick trip to the grocery store alone? No problem. A quick trip to the grocery store with a baby? Impossible, right? Actually, it’s not. With an organized plan and the right baby gear, you can do the impossible and make a quick grocery store run with your baby.
Time it right.
Leave right after you feed your baby and change her diaper so you’re not stuck in the parking lot feeding her for 30 minutes. Some moms like to time it so they shop during baby’s nap time and they sleep soundly through the whole thing. Also, go when the grocery store isn’t super busy, like when it first opens or within an hour of opening.
Park next to a cart return stall.
A front parking spot is great, but if it’s 10 spaces from a cart return stall, it’s not a great parking spot when shopping with a baby. You have a lot more to load and unload now, and it’ll be easier on your arms and back and take less time if you park as close as you can to a cart return stall.
Have an organized plan of attack.
A quick grocery store run is possible if you do two things: make a list and organize it by aisle. That way you’re not having to loop around the entire store to get bread after you just got ice cream from the frozen section. If your grocery store has a mobile app, make your list on it. Many grocery shopping apps list the aisle where you can find each item on your shopping list or provide a map of where to find specific products, and they even tell you about coupons on the products you’re buying that you otherwise might not have known about.
Another way to get your shopping done quickly is by knowing the grocery store’s layout. If you’re unfamiliar with where something is, ask for help so you don’t spend 10 minutes trying to find it.
Pack more than what you think you’ll need.
You fed your baby before you left so he won’t get hungry while you’re gone, right? And since you’re only planning to be gone for 20 or so minutes, you don’t need to bring an extra outfit or pacifier. Unfortunately, babies are unpredictable. You never know when they might get hungry or decide to spit up all over you and themselves. Before heading out the door, double-check that your diaper bag is packed with everything you might need for a short or long outing. Coming over-prepared is better than having to leave your cart in the middle of the store because your baby has a blowout that you’re not prepared for.
Keep your baby comfortable.
We know when you go out, it’s fun to dress your baby in a cute little outfit. But some outfits are uncomfortable for babies. Dress your little one for comfort when you go shopping. Babies are cute no matter what they’re wearing. Plus, a cozy baby is a content baby.
While in the store, keep your baby in her car seat if she’s happy in it. How do you put a car seat in a shopping cart? Some people set the car seat in the basket of the cart, but that takes up the entire cart. Another option is setting the car seat on a shopping cart hammock. It’s safe for your baby and leaves plenty of room in the cart for groceries. You can also lay your baby on a shopping cart hammock and secure her with its three-point seat belt. The soft material and natural cradle position your baby lies in are sure to keep her snug and serene while you shop.
That first trip to the grocery store with your baby may not be as quick as you planned. But like with anything, the more you do it, the better you get. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can master the art of quick trips to the grocery store with your cute baby in the cart.
You can also go for online shopping but there are some pros and cons of online shopping.
