How Do You Shop with Two?

I also shop at Fred Meyer to take advantage of the Playland. My kids love going there most of the time. When they don't want to go to the Playland, they shop with me. We get a cookie at the bakery, and sometimes cheese at the deli and stickers at the pharmacy...all good tools in getting them to behave while shopping. They also like riding in those car carts. As much as I hate pushing those things around, it makes shopping with the kids easier.

I put baby in the baby carrier...like a Baby Bojrn. And then put the toddler in the cart. I also pack snacks for the toddler. Just have a plan of action when you get in the store so you won't be in there too long.

I don't shop with two! I wait until my husband's home then shop alone or with just one kid. If I've ever had to tale them both, I do the baby bjorn and toddler in the cart. My oldest is three, I think that's easier than 21 months! I have had to bribe her to get her to behave when I have both with me somewhere. I also have my toddler help me find what we're looking for, find something yellow, etc. Then it's also a learning experience and fun for them too!

Wait until your husband gets home.
This is a hard one, but until my kids were old enough to go in the play area at Haggen, I usually left them at home with dad.
I never quite figured it out. I see other children sitting quietly in the cart, but that was not my kids! It was just too stressful for me to do it and I would forget things on the list because I was just in such a hurry to get out of there!
I'd say if you absolutely HAVE to take them, go at 10:30 in the morning, bring a snack and a little book for your toddler and go as fast as you can. There is no time to read labels here.

Harnesses help. With mine it just took time. Mine are the same difference as yours. Consistance and practicing with short trips. Rewards for good behavior. Not necessarily goodies. Instant consequence. Putting harness on if they don't behave. Give the child something to do. Make some pictures of their list and they have to help you get those products. A professional told me to bring a hand towel for timeouts. Set the handtowel down and have him sit on it for timeout. That didn't work for me. Use those car carts if you can find one. Go shopping without them. lol

A.,

With my twins, I have gotten to attempting small trips for necessities and asking my husband to pick up a few things on his way home. Also, I have been known to go at night when the boys are in bed if we need a larger run (WINCO). Recently, I do have a friend that helps trade babysitting for shopping. She has one, and we ask one another also to help the kids play together so we can hit the gym.

If your 21 month old wants to, and stays close, pushing around a handheld cart is fun for them. We have done this; you have to give a lot of time for shopping this way!

Good luck,
T.

Wow, A.! I had the exact same question a few months ago. My son is now almost 3 months old and my older son will be 3 in September. At first, I just about went crazy when I had to go out shopping with both kids. I thought it was totally impossible! Needless to say, when you need to go shopping, you need to go shopping. After about 2-3 weeks of being stuck at home, I decided to brave the elements with both kids.

I found that if I keep the baby in his car seat and instruct my toddler to stay seated in the shopping cart, it usually works fairly well. Of course, this is before his nap time and with an added brib of a cookie if he behaves. You can also have your hubby pick up something on the way home from work, but most men don't seem to get the "right" things, so it's up to how much of a perfectionist you are.

All in all, I would say to tell your older boy what you expect and stick to it. If he doesn't behave, you may need to go to the car the first few times. He will get it eventually. Just hang in there and don't give up. It does get easier with time!

Well, having lived through this many times, I now have a 4 year old and a 2 year old. I can't help but smile and think, "Thank God I'm not there anymore" except that its hard in a different way now..

You make a list, bribe with cookies, go as fast as you can and PRAY.. you survive over and over and the kids get bigger.. Sorry if that's not really encouraging, but you can do it. Its like all other mom things that sound impossible, you do it because you have to (unless you have another option like someone to watch one of the kids - then DO THAT).

Since my younger girl was born, I do all my shopping for the month. It doesn't take me a huge time longer and then I don't have to go back. I buy all my canned goods, freezer goods and meats for the month and a weeks worth of veggies and breads. Then each week I make a quick run-in trip for the other veggies and breads.

Best of Luck!

If you have a doulbe tandem stroller you can push it and pull the cart behind you i have done this several times. Another option is put the 21mo old in the cart and wear the baby with a sling i have done this as well. It can be hard but you can do it. I have twins and have been shopping with them on my own since they were just a few weeks old good luck and congrats on the new addition

I used to take baby, toddler, and two 2 1/2 year olds to Winco regularly. I put the baby in front carrier, toddler in hiker Kelty backpack kid carrier, and the older two in the cart. Sometimes, I had to have two carts for all the food and kids. Got lots of looks and comments from lots of people, but we were/are always up for an adventure! :)

When my daughter was smaller, the age of your child (she just turned one) I'd put her in the baby bjorn. That way she's out of the way and shopping is a breeze. It's like she's not even there.

My son is almost 4. I require him to sit in the shopping cart. That does make things difficult if you plan on buying many groceries. There is only limited space in the cart if you have a few kids in there too. Unless you shop at costco. They have great sized carts and their top part holds 2 children (once they can sit up).

The good news is for the first 6-8 months, you can take your baby in the baby bjorn and it'll be easy. After that, space in the cart becomes an issue.

What we like to do now that my daughter is older, is, we shop at fred meyer and my kids sit in the race car shopping carts and they just love it. And that leaves a full cart for groceries.

Also, you can sneak out in the evening when your kids are in bed. That works great too.
Good luck.

If you need a lot of groceries: A baby carrier for the newborn and the shopping cart for the toddler. If you need a handful of groceries, the toddler in the seat and the baby in the car seat in the base of the cart.

Try to pick times when the grocery store isn't very busy and when your toddler is well rested and has just eaten. Know exactly what you plan to get - so you're not wandering the aisles in search of what appeals to you in the moment. And zip through as quickly as possible. If someone starts kicking up a fuss (especially the toddler) before you're quite through shopping, just hold your head up high and pretend he's a police siren. (People really WILL get out of your way and will let you cut in line to help you get out more quickly.)

If you think it's a logistical nightmare with a toddler and one newborn, you should try it with a toddler and TWO newborns! I tried to go to Costco as much as possible because they have the two seat shopping carts, but at regular grocery stores, I had to use two shopping carts and a carrier. And when they got older, I used a front pack, a back-pack and the shopping cart. Whew.

Also, if you go in when the store isn't too busy, the employees are normally really great about helping out.

Being a military wife I didn't have the option of not shopping with my two I had to if we wanted to eat! You can put your little one in a sling, you can get one of the big carts where your 21 mo old can sit in the "big boy" part of the cart and your little one in the carseat at the front of the basket. If you dont' have much to get you can put the baby in the back of the basket where your groceries go and your 21mo old where a kid sits (or the other way around mine liked sitting in the back of the basket). Once he turns two maybe you can introduce walking holding on to the basket, that's what I did at first, and if he runs around and is naughty then you tell him he has to sit in the basket. Be sure to go when neither one is hungry or tired ( or when the little one is sleeping). Mornings were alwasy best for us and usually the store wasnt packed so if he threw a fit there weren't THAT many people to hear him...lol. Ya just have to get out there and do it, you'll do fine and you'll find out what works for you and your boys. Best wishes, W.

I have started things with my kids when they where young, which helped as they got a little older.
I would use a baby sling/front pack and wear them. I made sure they ALWAYS sat in the cart with a seat belt on. When my 17 year old was around 2 I let him stand in the cart, and he went out the side and landed on the cement floor. That was scary.
Once I got a few to many for the cart I then would have them walk along side holding the cart or my shirt bottom. I also believe in a child leash (for lack of better words). They have them now that are put on like a backpack, and has a monkey on it. It looks cool, and helps to keep the child within reach. You do get strange looks, and some people made comments. I would just comment back with something like "oh, it would be so much better for him to run out in front of a car and get killed." or "yah, I'll take it off so some child abuser can come in and take my kid." They would usually walk away at that point. But hey when you have 5 kids you get looks and comments all the time.
When ever we where out in public I would tell the kids to "Hold my shirt" and they would learn at a young age to hold my shirt as we walked outside in parking lots and such. This helps as they get older.

Hang in there! You can do it.

Definatley get a sling, of front pack to start out with. I wouldn't recommend avoiding going to stores by getting deliveries unless you absolutely have to. Your little ones will learn that shopping is just something you all do and get used to it (and your rules) if you just keep doing it. I have always taken both of my little ones shopping with me(grocery or other) and they are great. I always get compliments on what good shoppers they are. It has always just been a matter of fact thing that we are going, and they will be good until we are done. They also understand that sometimes we are just shopping not buying everything we see. So sometimes they do pick out something to look at and paly with while we shop, and understand that we are going to leave it at the store. I personally don't recommend the car carts unless you are going mid-week at off-peak hours, because they are huge and a pain to manuvere thru people. i just use a regular cart and my little one (now 22mos) sits in the seat part, while my older one (3 1/2yr) sits in the basket along with the food. Or if you are a Costco member their carts have 2 seats up front so they can sit side by side.

I know it seems daunting, but don't let it be.

If I take my two girls. I would go get a free cookie from the bakery do it before her nap time. I would let her ride in one of those car carts at fred myer or albertson. then with your little one how about the front pack instead of her car seat so you can put more in the cart.. hang in there I know it is hard and evry trip to the store is an adventure. Or sometimes if I have a really big list I would do online Albertson for 10 delivery fee and they even have organics. Once I set up the online shopping site it is much faster the next times around. My kids are 2.5 and 5 and they only last 35 in the store.
best of luck

A., I have 5 and shop with them regularly. age range from
11- 3. My three youngest are 6 and 3 yr old twins. I always used two shopping carts. Sat both the babies in their carrier on the cart. Put my older one ,then 3, in one cart and the food in the other cart. My 6 yr old is very active also so it was a challenge. Where you have only one baby. Put the baby in a suggle pack and you older one in the cart. Let him hold your shopping list and talk to him about what you need to get next. Make him involved and he will not be as much of a hassle for you. He will feel, even at his young age, that you need his help and he will want to help instead of being bored. What you need is to get a routine and a system down and then it will not be a problem. Good luck You can do it. J.

You already have tons of great advice. I have a 7, 4 in a wheelchair and a 2 yr old. It has been interesting and I have gotten a kick out of the look of awe on people's faces when I have to go with the whole troop. Avoidance is great but not always realistic. I end up usually in a push/pull chain that works. I have been surprised lately that my 2 is very willing to help push either his sister or the cart and walk. He too is VERY busy but seems to feel important doing his job and has yet to run off or cause major issues. Soon, it will get easier. Hang in there.

When I had to go out with my 2 year old nephew and my newborn daughter, I would put my daughter in my Moby Wrap and make my nephew sit in the cart strapped in. I gave him a small container of snacks and a couple books and I followed a list to get throw the grocery store quickly. It worked like a charm!

Good Luck!
A.

Honestly- I rarely did it! I just waited til my husband (or friend, relative, etc) got home and he watched the kids and I went alone. Or vice versa. It's an invite for trouble to take two at once. And it's nice to get away for an hour and actually think. If you have to take them both: MAKE SURE to take a little bag of snacks for your 21 month old. Try not to get in the habit of buying them treats when you're at the store, or it becomes a huge problem. And never go down the toy aisle at Fred Meyer!Good luck!

Baby car seats have notches on the bottom so that they fit perfectly and securely on the cart handle and the back of the cart's seat.

We've also been able to put the car seat on the table in restaurants with booths. The distance between the table and seat back is such that the car seat stays firm.

If you do have a tandem stroller and not a whole lot of groceries, you can use it's basket and a shopping bag hooked to the handles behind the seat for putting your food in. I've done this several times. At first I was concerned that the clerks would think I was shop lifting but they smiled and I felt at ease.

I hate it so much I try to not have to do it at all. My two-year-old can unbuckle himself and hop down from the cart in about two seconds. An old lady once watched him and started screaming, because she thought he was falling out of the cart. I try as much as possible to either wait until my hubby gets home, or I trade babysitting with another mom/friend. I marvel when I see a mom at the store with several well-behaved kids in tow. I don't have that gift, or else my boys are too rowdy. My five-year-old whines the whole time, or fights with the two-year-old.

HI A.-
This is what Wendy said: "Being a military wife I didn't have the option of not shopping with my two I had to if we wanted to eat! You can put your little one in a sling, you can get one of the big carts where your 21 mo old can sit in the "big boy" part of the cart and your little one in the carseat at the front of the basket. If you dont' have much to get you can put the baby in the back of the basket where your groceries go and your 21mo old where a kid sits (or the other way around mine liked sitting in the back of the basket)." WHich echoes exactly my situation x 4.. (ARRRGH!! WE HAD to eat!!) I was in the USMC and so was my husband-so one of us HAD to go, and since I was home before him, it was usually me :(
The tiny ones were attached to me, by way of back pack/sling(now), and as the other kids got older-we had "positions" for all of them. This was discussed ahead of time. "You will NOT move from this spot, and if you do, we will leave and go home, and you will eat PB&J for dinner, and you will go to bed EARLY, with NO TV or reading time". As they got older, I would let them "detach, in eye sight", to have them get a product they were familiar with. Obviously, you can't do that now, but later, you can.It MAY seem difficult and scary the first time, but have faith in yourself. They react off of you. Its like they "SMELL FEAR"!!! So, make sure you are all well fed, well rested (that is of course all relative...) HAVE A LIST, and have your check/credit card etc, READY. It will go much better if its all planned out. I did this for 20 years, and now, alllll my kids pretty much have the same "deal" that happens with their own ;) ALSO, you can add to "the speech" : If you leave the cart, some freak will take you away..." (IF you want to add that--it worked for me, very well) Good luck, sweetie, and remember to have faith in YOU!!!
Love,
Becca

My sister has 3 kids (they are all teenagers now), but they were all close in age. The older 2 are 15 months apart, and then she had her 3rd one when her second child was 2. She took them all shopping and to run errands, all the time.

Get a Baby Bjorn or a sling (I had a Baby Bjorn and LOVED it). You put your 21 month old in a shopping cart. If your 21 month old doesn't want to go into the cart-get a leash. I had one with my 6 year old and it worked great. You can find them in the Home Safety section at Target. It's all nylon, it has a harness that secures with velcro in the back. The wrist leashes don't work-the kids just rip them right off. My sister had 2 leashes for the two older kids, and then the baby carrier for the baby. That is how she did it. If you worry about dirty looks and such from the leash, don't worry about it. In the 3-4 years that I used a leash, I only got 2 dirty looks and a rude comment-from people who don't have children. I mostly got encouragement, nice comments, and was commended for choosing to be safe with my child out in public.

Good Luck!

Hi A., wanted to let you know about my online shopping portal at www.marketamerica.com/mmonce This makes shopping alot easier with the little ones. Once on the portal go ahead and register as a preferred customer, you will want to sign in on the portal each time you shop to earn points (2 per dollar spent) to redeem for other products and services. Safeway.com is one of the many partnered stores you will find on the portal. You can do your grocery shopping online and have it delivered to your door! You will want to check the delivery status up in your area of AK. There is a short info video that walks you through the ordering process. One of my friends recently had a baby and she has used this service and loves it! Good luck! M.

I do it with three. 4 1/2, 2 and now 10 months (but have been doing it for years). Some days are harder than others, but we always manage. I used to put the baby in the Baby Bjorn and my toddler in the cart and my oldest would walk. Sometimes (for a quick trip) I'd leave the baby in her car seat and stick her inside the cart. Now that my middle has turned 2, I've been taking advantage of Fred Meyer Playland! I may spend a little more at Fred Meyer (because it's more than a grocery store) but it's worth my sanity and a quiet shopping trip. My older two LOVE to play there while I shop and I love to be able to shop in peace. You child has to be 2 to go in, but when he is, give it a try! I wish other stores had this service, I think I'd go shopping a lot more (so maybe it's good they don't!)

Hi A.,

I know for me personally, I would make sure my son was well fed, and he used the bathroom before we left, and I would nurse my baby girl right before I left also, so she's fed also.

If I felt they were getting cranky, I would just cut the trip short, or wait for my husband to come home and do shopping then.

Hopes this helps.

D.

My first two were also 21 months apart, and grocery shopping is definitely an adventure. These are the things I remember doing: shopping with the baby in her carrier in the basket, with big brother strapped in the cart seat--which works okay, but there isn't a lot of room left for food; again, having big brother in the cart, and dragging baby in a stroller behind me; getting up at 6 am and shopping before my husband left for work, or going late after the kids are in bed and dad is home; and, if I was really desparate and didn't think we could make it to the store, I'd get groceries delivered from Safeway. That way Is certainly more expensive, but occasionally it was worth the extra money to save my sanity. Good luck with your busy family! It's worth it.

I'd use an Ergo carrier or Moby wrap & tie the little one to you. They wer e really life savers for getting stuff done. Have fun!

I have the same issues! An almost 23 month old, (very busy too) and a 3 1/2 mo old. Daddy is stationed at Travis AFB and I work full time. I am a single but married mommy that has to figure out how to do everything by myself. What I found works is putting my son in the shopping cart, and my daughter in her infant seat in the stroller. With the handle up, I can tow her behind me and use the handle to steer her. I tried the shopping cart with the fun trucks in the front, and Reeves loved it, but I had to FIGHT with him to get him out when we were through. I decided that we won't even go that route unless Daddy is home to help. Good luck to you. It may seem like you don't know which end from Tuesday, but you'll make it! B.

My son was 17 months old when my daughter was born and I would put my son in the cart and then carry my daughter in a sling. This was the only way I could shop and still works today. My son is 2 and my daughter is 8 1/2 months.
Good luck and I understand the challenges. It does get easier once you develop a system!
C.

It's not easy at first but it will get easier. Mine are 15 months apart so I know just what you're going through. I tried several things. I used my double stroller at first when my daughter was very little and used the basket underneath (can't do major shopping this way). I also would bring my stroller in and then pull a cart behind me if I had to do big shopping. The other thing is putting the carseat in the shopping cart basket and the older child in the kids seat. This worked quite well for smaller trips. You can use the bottom of the cart and the sides of the basket. It all was cumbersome and a little crazy but it only lasted a few months and then it changed as everything does. Once my daughter was sitting up she would ride in the kid seat and my son would walk. I would keep him busy with having his own list and asking him to find certain things. They are now 2 and 3 and we still use this system. Works good for us and you will find a system to work for you. Oh if you find a shopping cart cover they are worth it. I made one for my kids and the nasty shopping carts were never an issue for exploring mouths. Hope this helps...

Hi A.,

First, congrats on your new one! Hope you are doing well and getting rest when you can. The only way I've figured out how to shop is by using the Baby Bjorn. My kids are 22 months apart and I put the older one in the seat in the cart and put the baby in the Bjorn. My littlest one is 4 months now, but when she was younger, she'd just conk out in the Bjorn while we were shopping.

Hope that helps and congrats again!

T.

My older daughter is 18 months and my younger is 3 mos. These are all things I've done that work:
1) At first I put the younger in the baby front pack and my older one in the seat of the cart. Worked like a charm until my little chubby one got to heavy for me. :)
2) Now I take one with me and leave one at home with my husband, or we all go together and use two carts.
3) Waiting until the girls are in bed and running to the store at night is actually kind of fun for me. It's quiet at the store with so few people there and it really makes the trip quick.
4) Also, my mom and my friend are always willing to go with me so we each have a kid and a cart. So ask your friends to see if one of them would mind going along with you.
5) If you must go with both children by yourself, then ask one of the store employees for some assistance as soon as you walk in the store. Most of the time they will allow one of the stockers or other employees to help you out and follow you around with another cart. Works like a charm - plus they load your groceries into your car for you, too. :)

Oh and another trick that I've learned is to get one of those cart seat covers that goes over the handle, has a padded back and has toys attached. It really keeps my older one entertained plus it has a little soft cup that I put cheerios in for her to snack on. She actually looks forward to shopping because that is the only time she gets to see her special seat and play with it.

When my 3 boys were little I had to go grocery shopping with them since my husband and I worked opposite schedules. Grocery shopping became kind of a circus, but it had to be done!
I remember one particular moment because other ladies were laughing at me!
The boys were (just) 3, 16 months and about 5 weeks old. I had the two older ones in a double stroller and the baby in a back carrier for infants. I was pushing the stroller and pulling the cart. Of course that was before the shopping carts with the car attachments, oh man would that have made my shopping experience easier!
Now that I have 4 it is so much easier... the boys don't want to come along and so they stay at home! lol...
You could always just go to Costco... mondo sized carts to go with their mondo size food containers... plus a 2 seater cart!

I remember the first time I tried to go shopping with two kids. My husband and I tried a couple of different things. What we found that works well for us is he either comes to the store with the kids and I, or he stays at home with one or both. I hope you can figure something out and hang in there it will get better.

Shopping is so stressful with children. I would rather go alone at night after they are asleep, assuming your husband can stay with them or make it a family event and go on the weekend. Good luck!

I totally understand where you are right now. When my daughter was born last year my son was just barely over 2 years of age (and very busy). It was tough to go places - especially shopping.

For trips to target, the mall, etc., I purchased a Joovy ride on stroller at Babies r us. It has a seat belt option for your toddler to either sit and be belted in or stand. The baby portion has a universal car seat holder. With grocery shopping (other than small trips with the stroller), I'm sorry to say that I'd put the kids down for bed at night and leave my hubby at home and go grocery shopping at 8:00pm. I also now go on Sunday afternoons when my little one is napping and my hubby can watch the older child. Hope this helps! My kids are now 16 months and 3 1/2 years old.

With our three kids, we have had this situation a few times...have used most of the ideas that the ladies here have already submitted. Usually my baby rides in the seat, and my middle (3 1/2) rides in the big cart. This means I can't get tons of food...but usually a significant amount (and he's a big kid but we still fit it in around him!) I put things that are breakable like eggs on the bottom of the cart.

I have never had groceries delivered until recently when we signed up for a milkman. Wonderful! It took a few weeks to get adjusted to the schedule (they only deliver once a week). It is approximately the same price as milk in the grocery store, and they offer several other items...from different dairy products (buttermilk, cream, cheese), eggs, even coffee and cookie dough! My basic milk order stays the same, but I can call in ahead the day before to get an extra item.

We had a $1 fuel surcharge recently (per month), which does not bother me. I still make regular grocery runs, but will keep this service probably for a long time...it's worth it not to have to lug the milk from the store to the car, then the car to the house!

I have three little ones ages 4, 2 and 8 months, and honestly if I don't take them shopping at least a few times a month, they forget how to act in the store. It helps to have a small activity for them to do, such as those small coloring books, aqua book, or we even play I spy in the grocery store. I usually carry my youngest in my sling, and at costco I am able to put my two older ones in the cart. I make a double child shopping cart cover to help keep them entertained as well as keep those germs away. But again, I really think that they have to learn how to behave in a store, just as they do in a resturaunt, and if not refreshed enough, they have a hard time with it.

Oh...I also reward mine with going to the pet store...it's cheap entertainment for all, they strive to behave, and they love it!

Good luck!

I have my groceries delivered by safeway (at safeway.com), which is wonderful, but I have done these other things as well:

1. New Seasons has a pickup which is cheaper than delivery (you order online and then pickup at the store)

2. In a few months you can shop at Fred Meyer and drop off your older one in the play area for an hour

3. Go after putting the kids in bed at nighttime if you have a hubby at home.

My "second" baby ended up being twins, so ordering online is well worth the delivery charge - by the time I put all my kids in the cart there is no room for my purse much less groceries! Good luck to you! D.

Hi A.,

Save yourself and don't try to take them shopping! Wait until your partner is home or get grocery delivery. You can often get free delivery, but the amount of time, energy and potential frustration is worth the $8! You can still use coupons and get the same prices as you pay in the store. You can shop online when you have a moment -its saved me a lot of times. Try it! Good luck, B.

I usually go to safeway where they have those shopping carts with a car in the front for my toddler to ride in. I have a 20 month old boy and a 7 week old baby, so I know exactly what you are talking about. I put my toddler in the car and put the infant seat in the seat where the handles are. Or sometimes I carry the baby in a front carrier and leave the seat in the car. The cart with the attached car is perfect for the busy boy because it has a steerng wheel and a little horn and he has fun in it so I avoid grocery store tantrums.

I just recently have been going through the same thing. The first couple outtings I just had my husband or mom go with me just to ease into it. I think the easiest way I've found is to put the baby in a baby bjorn or something similar and put the toddler in the seat of the cart. My toddler is old enough (almost 3), so I've also just had her walk along side the cart, that's if you have enough time to spend and patience. If i'm in a rush I just put them both in the cart, the baby in the carrier in the seat and the toddler in the big part.

I know it seems daunting...believe me I feel the same way at times! You'll get used to it.

I was there! I had to put my 2 year old on the cart, and the baby in a snuggy.

Hi A.,
I went through the troubles of taking a 3 year old a 17 month old and my new born all at once, and I will tell you I did it only once on my own. It went well for a while having my new born in one of those things you attach to yourself and put your baby in it, I've also seen women using a baby hammock which I intend on making for my sister who is expecting a new baby for the first time in 11 years. Anyways, I had my 17 month old in the seat and put my 3 year old in the cart. Like I said before I did that only once and will not go without my hubby, I push the stroller, and thats how I do it. Lots of luck in figuring things out!

The best way is to involve them in the shopping. I guess you problem is the 21 months old. You can ask the 21 m to go and pick up the carrots or the cereal box (whatever). It will take longer but less problems. Cut pictures and make cards for grocery instead of a list and let him show you the next item you are looking for. If you can't get him involved, wait and shop when is his snack time, than just give him a bowl with his snack to keep him busy. Another thing that might help is to go to the shop when daddy is at home or ask a friend or relative to come and help at least with one of them at home while you are shopping. Other options are to get involved in a coop-preschool or coop baby-sitting, there must be some in your area. Good luck!

I feel your pain sister! here's my suggestion: buy yourself an ErgoBaby carrier. it has an extra cushion available to accommodate newborns which most carriers do not. also, i think they will hold up to 40 pounds so your toddler could use it too which could be a fun thing for him. this is a much better choice than the baby bjorn or a sling because the weight is set upon your hips rather than pulling on your front or side. a more natural hold. load the newborn and strap the older one into the cart. voila. hands are free for shopping and keeping little fingers away from products. while keeping your newborn very close. i've been doing this since my son was about six months old and he turns one year next week. my daughter is 2 years 8 months. it also works for going for walks, hiking, and trips to the park so you are able to play with your older child and not have to worry about lugging a stroller around. it is also very handy for accomplishing that ever-looming housework, while often times providing a much needed nap for your tiniest one. i simply cannot say enough good things about this carrier. please feel free to contact me if you have questions. you can get info and order at their website www.ErgoBabycarrier.com good luck! and have fun! once your older one decides it's time to walk on their own through the grocery store and not sit in the cart then you are really in for a treat!

be well!

D. :o)

The baby bjorn was my friend. My baby always went into it and then my son went into the cart. It wasn't always fun, but we managed. I started giving my son jobs at the store too, like hold my coupons, etc.

Definetely get a sling, mobi, or some baby carrier to leave you hands free and keep your baby snuggly and happy. Do errands early in the day when your oldest is in a happier, more adventurous mind set, bring lots of snacks, accept that it WILL take twice as long to do these errands, try to get your little guy to "help" you shop. Let him know you NEED and want his help. Thank him and praise him when he is patient and cooperative, don't try to do too many errands in a go....you can do it!!!!!
When you get home be sure to spend some quality play time with your oldest. I would also try to leave him with someone for a play date and then offer to watch the other person's kid sometime. You didn't mention a spouse, but you could leave your son with dad while you and baby do errands.

Hi A., I don't know whether you go to Fred Meyers for groceries but they have a pretty nice playland for kids and it's free, with lots of toys. Maybe you can try to put your older boy there.

Put the big one in the cart, and the little one in a front carrier. When he gets bigger, put him in a backpack carrier. I have a 4 yr. old and a 15 month old, and the big guy rides in the cart and the little one rides in my snugli backpack. It's sooo much easier that way.

A.,
This has always been a challenge for me. I used to get so frustrated that I would take along someone else to help with the boys. It was usually my husband or my niece. I have learned that giving them something to do really helps especially with 2yr olds. This is something my sister taught me because she did this with my boys.
Have him help put things in the cart. Pick something off the shelf and say, "Oh, so and so, can you help mommy put this into the cart?" It is a rare occasion that they will object. Also you can tell him what's next on your list and ask him to help you find the items. When you are in the produce aisle, have him help you with quantities of items and putting them into the bags.
giving them things to do helps their self esteem as well as develope independence. It also keeps little ones busy.
I still have both of my boys help and it really works. (They are 5&7yrs.)
New Seasons has little kid carts with a flag that says Customer in Training. My boys love these and so do all the other children I have seen in the store. I always pack their cart full and have them help unload at the check out.
If all else fails, put the baby in a Bjorn or side carier and your son in the cart. Then give him some type of food/snack to eat or a toy to play with.
Best of luck to you.

I am about to be in your situation and am so worried about that myself! The advice that I have gotten is to ease into it... have someone go with you the first few times (if it turns out to be a nightmare, its always easier to have someone with you!) and get used to having both babies around, then gradually go alone on small trips and work your way to large trips. In the meantime, I think safeway.com delivers for free if you spend more than $100 and schwans is a good place to get already prepared food that you pop in the microwave at an okay price (just dont look at the catalog when you are hungry!). Good luck!!!!!!

Hi A.,

I feel your pain. I remember those days and the best advice I have is to do your grocery shopping online for the time-being, and have it delivered. I am the mother of four, ranging in age from 5-20. With each new baby...after the internet became common place in homes...I used albertsons.com and Schwans.com and had milk delivered (I think it's SmithBrothersFarms.com). It just wasn't a possibility to do it any other way...and it really hasn't gotten all that much easier, especially now with summer vacation here.

These years do go by quickly, but while you're in them, take advantage of technology and have things just delivered to you.

Good Luck,

D.

When my daughter was new, new, and still slept in her infant carrier I would put the carrier in the basket of the cart and my 18 month old son in the child seat. Then I'd just do my best to pile groceries around her seat and in the bottom of the cart. Once she was a little bigger and more alert I would put her in the sling or the Bjorn carrier, and my son in the seat of the cart. Now that they are 3 1/2 and almost 2, I have my daughter ride in the child seat and my son walks alongside with me. Also there are some grocery stores that have room for two toddlers/preschoolers to sit in those big car carts, and the kids love those, although they usually fight the whole time.

When my third is born, in about 2 months, I'll just add back the sling or bjorn carrier. Whoopee, lots of fun! I'll tell you, grocery shopping is never the same after adding kids, but you figure it out.

Hi A.~

My kids are 25 months apart, and when I go shopping we have a rewards system. I started it when Randy was wanting to walk in the store and Ali was in the carrier usually sleeping, so it seemed natural to let Randy walk, even at 2. Of course, junk food was never the reward. I chose to reward with Strawberry or Chocolate milk. It isn't totally healthy, but it isn't pop, juice, or junk food. I had my list, and we did about 1/2 the shopping before we hit the dairy aisle. Then he would get his milk and get to hold it for a lot of the rest of the shopping. In the 6 years of doing this, I have put the milk back about 4 times and now, yes it costs about $3 to buy 2 milks. The first time I put it back he started to cause a scene. I simply bent down, told him I would ask a clerk to put the cart away and we would go home, but he would not be happy there either! He knew that meant a spanking(not hard, but justified) and time in his room so he got quiet real quick. I told him I could always come back when Dad got home, but that wouldn't make any sense at all. This was shopping and I wasn't keen on changing my schedule to make his day! He then helped as Ali got into walking about being good and not getting their milks put back. It has worked well and they love their treat even at 8 and 6. It is hard and there will be better days than others, but hang in there and find what works for you! Good luck...

P.

Let the fun begin! I have recently discovered the joys of having two little ones! My son is currently 10 weeks. My daughter is 3. That makes it a bit easier for me! I have found that the snap in car seats actually 'snap in' to the front part of most shopping carts. That makes it much easier for me with baby. I just take his seat out of its base and put it right on the front part of the cart. I let my daughter choose what she would like to do but stress that once she makes the choice she sticks with it!! Sometimes she actually likes to sit on the lower part of the cart (depends where I am at if it works). She sits 'facing' me as i push and so far we have had no incidents of squished fingers or toes! Like I said, depends on the cart! Mostly she rides in the big part of the cart - we discovered while I was pregnant that we could lift up the entire front of the cart and she could just crawl in. Recently- I have stressed the importance of her having time alone with her dad and I work around his schedule to go shopping with just baby - I make big trips and load up! Good luck

It gets easier once your little one is big enough to go in a front pack. I have a 22 month old who rides in the cart, and I put my now 5 month old in the front pack.