"Me Go Too!!": Survival Strategies for Shopping with Toddlers (Adapted from Healthy Steps)

Shopping with toddlers is hard work! How can you help you and your toddler avoid disaster and enjoy your time together?

• Timing is everything. Make sure your child is well fed, rested, and feeling OK when you go shopping.
• Make a plan and keep it short. Map out a schedule to keep time in the store and time on the bus or in the car short. Make a list of what you need at the grocery store and organize it by where the items are located.
• Be prepared. Always pack a bag with snacks, toys, and books. These are important tools for keeping your child entertained or comforted.
• Prepare your toddler. Tell your toddler in advance what the plan is for the day. Give reminders through the day of what will happen next.
• Set clear limits. Tell your child what the rules are for behavior and remind your toddler of the rules while shopping.
• Be rigid about child restraints: Don't let your child know it is ever possible to not be in a shopping cart or other restraint in a store
• Avoid problems. Stay away from toy and candy aisles. Find the 'candy free' checkout aisle if your store has one. Stay away from shops that aren't 'child friendly' and have lots of breakable items.
• Make shopping a game. Keep your child busy by counting items together or finding different colors in the store. Your child may be able to pick out some of the items on your list from the shelves. Know when enough is enough. When your toddler shows signs of being too tired or overwhelmed to go on that last errand, don't push it. Call it a day and plan to do that errand another day. Save both of you the stress!
• Reward good behavior. Create a special ritual or treat for after shopping. Take a trip to the park or go for ice cream. Shopping is hard-you both deserve it!

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011