Tips for Grocery Shopping with Young Children

Grocery shopping with young children can be stressful!  Implementing these tips helped me feel confident that I could grocery shop with my kids and keep my sanity intact. 

When our gal was still a baby, I found myself running a lot of my errands at night.  It just seemed way too overwhelming to deal with bringing a child out to the grocery store, so I often shopped at 10 o’clock at night.  I quickly became burned out with that method, feeling like I never got a break.  When Kev got home and we had dinner, it felt like my “second job” was just beginning.  Something had to change.

I had to find a way to make running errands and grocery shopping happen during the daytime hours.  Once we added our second child, it got a little more complicated but it’s been fine and is totally do-able.  I can’t speak for adding a third, so I’ll have to update this post after the next baby comes next month!  🙂  {UPDATE as of 8/11/15:  It’s still possible, but not for the faint of heart!}

Since I just went to the grocery store the other day, I thought I’d share my tips for grocery shopping with young children.

1.  Avoid nap times or mealtimes

I don’t know anyone who wants to go to the grocery store when they are exhausted or hungry, much less children!  This is fairly easy to do when children are a little older, but can be harder with little babies.

When my babies were really little and still napping numerous times throughout the day, this was sometimes unavoidable.  In those cases, I usually strapped mine in the Baby Bjorn and they would nap while I shopped.  When they were down to morning/afternoon naps, I just try to make sure to head out the door as soon as they are awake and happy!  I did the same with feedings – nursing or feeding the little babies right before I walked out the door.  Some moms are really talented and can walk around and nurse, but I am not that good!

2.  Grab the kid-friendly shopping carts

As much as I don’t like the huge shopping carts with the cars on the front, they are so helpful when I shop with the kids.  The older kids can “drive” in front and the little ones can either sit in the front closer to Mom.  They are a bit cumbersome, but I think the benefits to them are worth it.

3.  Walk in prepared

I usually shop with an organized list anyways, but I always make sure I know exactly what I need when I have the kids with me.  Whether it’s a grocery list and/or your coupons, make sure you are ready to go when you walk in.  I can shop much more quickly and efficiently {and my kids are happier} when I know exactly what I need and don’t have to meander through every single aisle.

4.  Bring snacks with you (or take advantage of free samples)

Snacks can be really helpful when children get fussy or get anxious to get out of the shopping cart.  Even if they aren’t “needing” to eat, healthy snacks or the free samples just give them a little something to distract them and keep them happy for a few more minutes.  I try not to pull these out until absolutely necessary, but it’s nice to have them just in case.

5.  Accept help when it’s offered

Don’t feel bad accepting help from those who are offering.  Sometimes I feel bad allowing the person at the checkout to follow me to my car with my items, but then I am always thankful I accepted their offer when I’m heading back to the car.  Yes, you may be completely capable of doing it on your own, but allow people to bless you when they offer, especially when you have your children along.

6.  Have them help when possible

My kids aren’t quite to this stage, but I’ve heard that this can be a big help.  Maybe you could have your child weigh the produce or grab a couple packs of bread for sandwiches.  If they are old enough, I think it’s a great idea to ask them to help with simple tasks.

7.  Take a deep breath and don’t get flustered

Despite all my best efforts, there are still times when they just get restless and want out!  Do your best to keep your cool and not allow them to get you flustered.  If their negative behavior warrants a consequence, I still do what I can to execute it at the store (or when we get home), but I also try to praise and thank them when they are behaving as well.

8.  It gets better with practice

I was going to say that practice makes perfect, but that’s not really true in this case.  Your shopping trips may never be completely perfect, but it will get easier with time.  You will also feel more confident the more you do it.  Keep at it and learn as you go.  You’ll be an expert in no time!

What tips do you have when it comes to grocery shopping with young children?

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