grocery shopping with the kids

As I loaded everyone and everything into the car yesterday after a most succesful Trader Joe's trip (side note: Trader Joes is a great place to take your Baby Bunch if you have to drag everyone), I realized I was exhausted from the pure task of getting everything just out of the cart and into the car.

Now I know there was this whole hubub a while back with the woman who left her baby in the car while she walked 10 yards away to take a quick picture. But I will say the grocery store parking lot is the one place I have run into the 'should I leave them/take them with me?' debate.

If you think of the actual logistics of getting the cart, groceries, and kids to the car, there is a bit of juggling that has to go on: Who gets unloaded first? Do you unload the kids and the food and take back the cart? Do you unload the food and take back the cart and carry the kids back?

Ok, you could lose your mind trying to map it all out in your head. It's a hassle either way you look at it. But I stand by the fact that it's probably safer to unload everyone (read: so that they are all strapped in) and then unload food or return cart.

So yesterday, as I unloaded my kids (only now they can strap themselves in), I was flashing back to the days of managing it all. I tried so many configurations of who to unload/load first into the car. Sometimes I would make the mistake of loading my toddler in first with my youngest in the Baby Bjorn, and would end up hurting my chest as a result. (Don't try to get people in and out of the stroller, carseat, cart while wearing the baby.) Sometimes I would load up my daughter first and my son would dart into the parking lot. Also not a good idea.

Here is a brief strategy on getting everyone into the store:

1. Park close. Better to drive around a bit for a good spot. The closer you park the better.

2. Bring the cart to you. Yes, dash up to the storefront and get the cart. Don't try to drag everyone to the store first. It's WAY too hard. Toddler running off while you have a baby in your hand. If you can grab a cart, do it!

3. Put toddler in cart--strap him in. Put baby in a sling, carrier, wrap, etc.

4. Bring snacks and bribes if necessary.

Other things to consider: Don't go to the store during prime shopping times (lunchtime and/or 5 p.m.) If you can go without your kids--or only one--do that instead. Have a list ready. You will forget stuff if you're counting on your Baby Bunching memory.

Strategy for heading home:

1. If you're wearing the baby, get the baby in first. Don't try to lift your toddler out with baby in the sling. You will pay later with aches and pains.

2. If it's your baby in sitting in the cart, then get the toddler in first if he's on the run. Better to have him in the car (even if not strapped in) and out of danger.

3. Load the food in last. Food can stay in the parking lot. Children should not!

4. Return the cart. Aren't you glad you parked close?

5. Praise everyone for a great trip. Go home. Do not attempt another errand after going to the grocery store. You will push everyone too far. When you get home, have a glass of wine! :-)    

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Comments

[geekymummy]

I am so lucky, in that Trader Joes is an outing for the whole family (Dad included) in our house. There are advantages to getting up at 6.00am on a saturday, you can beat down the doors of Trader Joes! If I ever have to do it on my own I'll take your tips to heart!

[Casey]

I've only had to go shopping with both kids once, I dread it. Usually one of us goes at night after the kids are in bed to avoid the hassle. But then, we're giving up our kid-free time to get shopping done so it's a lose lose.

[Kate]

Geez. I need a glass of wine just READING that post. I'm so dreading the grocery-store-trip-with-two madness...

[Molly]

We are not yet official "bunchers" as the second half of our bunch is due in April, but I have already realized a long time ago that a parking place next to the cart corral is preferable for us to one near the store. :) Not only can you return your cart without REALLY leaving the car with children strapped in, but it also allows you to control how much room you have for opening doors, etc. on at least one side of the vehicle since it's unlikely the cart corral will leave, thereby allowing another to take it's place too close for your doors to fully open.

[Jenny P.]

I had the strangest experience Saturday. I was leaving Costco with the 17M-old in the cart seat, the 3M-old in her car seat in the body of the cart, and two boxes of groceries under the cart. A van sees me shoving this load towards my car and STOPS AND WAITS for my space! What kind of idiot thinks a baby buncher will be quick getting into the car? While I was in a primo spot (in the shade, three spots from the cart corral), there was plenty of empty space in the parking lot. I just don't get it, but I hope he enjoyed watching the show.

[AmyS]

What is up with those people who wait for your space? I know what you mean, Jenny P! I had one dude wait for my space in a mall parking garage when there were PLENTY of other spaces available. I wanted to shout at him, "You've got legs, you moron, walk the extra 100 feet!"

Parking near cart corrals is key, but also parking near an island or median strip works, too. I often tell my boys (ages 3 and 4) to stay on the "grassy island" while getting them in and out of the car. Sometimes they pretend their pirates on a deserted island...even better!!