Imagine a shopping outing where you find that perfect pair of jeans and it fits fabulously. You pay for it at the counter while planning which top to wear with it at your little one’s next playdate… Aaah, nothing quite beats the pleasures of retail therapy!
Now, add a toddler into the picture and you’ll realise that it’s quite a feat to attempt shopping with an impatient, inquisitive little thing, especially if the little bub has the attention span of zero.
There you are, looking around for stuff and there he is, trying to see how fast he can outrun you! Let’s not forget too that your cutest little one can become the crankiest little one without much notice, bringing your whole shopping trip to a stand-still.
Few of us are lucky enough to have ourselves a little angel of a bub who happily tags along with us as we leisurely look at items on sale or compare prices. Most toddlers don’t seem to have the patience to stand for more than five seconds in one spot. Yet we say that there is still hope for mummies with little kiddos for shopping partners.
These following suggestions have helped many moms, so let’s see how many more they can help!
Nap & Hype!
A tired toddler is a cranky toddler and don’t we all know that well enough! Let him have plenty of rest before taking him on a shopping trip with you. Right after his rest period would be the best time to get ready to go, but before you set out, don’t forget to set the stage for your shopping outing by hyping the little one up to what’s expected of him.
With the cleverest play of words, you can come up with, speak to him of the colorful sight-seeing adventures ahead – store after store of stuff!
Also, try adding: “Mummy promises to take you into each one so we can take a closer look at all the nice stuff inside!”
Your kid will somehow be more eager and cooperative on the car ride or walk on the way there. Do explain though what you will be doing, where you will go, and how long it will take, your expectations of him in terms of behavior including what you deem as suitable behavior and otherwise.
Due to the little one’s tender age and short-lived attention span, be prepared to overlook possible infractions though!
Keep that tummy happy
Little ones who don’t know any better tend to confuse boredom with hunger all the time. At other times though, they may be bored! Either way, a favourite snack may be just the thing to settle a genuinely hungry tummy or with some luck, even a boring little bub.
Toilet stops
Before, after and a few times in between is the way to go. After all, we don’t expect little bladders to hold large amounts of liquid, do we? Offer toilet trips often so that you’ll less likely to be called away when you’re just one customer away from paying for your much-wanted item with a queue as long as a train behind you!
Keep it short!
Don’t plan for extensive shopping trips if it is going to be just bub and you. For a child that is just learning to walk, an hour, or at the most two, is plenty of action! Even if he’s in a stroller, he’s most likely not going to appreciate being confined in there for too long. Let your little one stretch his legs now and then and keep shopping trips to minimal time.
Bring a fave toy along
This will be more for comforting reasons than anything else. Don’t bring anything too small that it can easily get lost and cause a wailing drama scene! If you need to, bring his favorite blanket too, to lay over him while he rests in his stroller.
Remember, shopping with a small child can be fun and may turn out to be a good bonding experience too. Just keep in mind that all plans made for the trip must feature your little one in it and not just those shoes on sale!
Lay down the rules
Most stores do not appreciate sticky fingers touching their expensive merchandise. Remind your child not to touch anything on the shelves, counters, etc. Explain too that wailing is not necessary if he needs your attention, for a soft voice works just as well and mummy will be on it just as quickly.
