We received our hardest question on our Facebook page this morning from Baby Buncher Jessica. We're asking our readers to help and hoping collectively as a community we can give her some ideas.
Q: It is so tough with three under three, how do I take a 4-,3- and 1-year old + newborn to the grocery store in a single shopping cart?
A: Our first reaction to this is don't take them all at the same time. But we know there are times when everyone will have to be corralled into the store and you will endure all kinds of funny looks and smart remarks from fellow shoppers.
Our recommendation is to realize you probably won't be able to do your big weekly shopping trips with all the kids in tow. Our friend Tanya whose kids are now 6, 4-year old twins and 2 provided some input on the question. She says that even now, trips with all four were quick ones with bagged snacks as bribes.
Since we're unfamiliar with where you live and the stores you have available, we think it would be worth quickly picking out the stores with the best carts for suited for your current needs. (Note: These needs will constantly change.) For example, Harris Teeter has carts with two 5-point harnesses (perfect for the older kids), but it also has a baby seat so three of your kids can be together. You'll have the wear the fourth one. It will probably be tricky getting everyone into the cart wearing the baby so this may take some practice. You could also have the younger three in the seats and give your four-year old some responsibility to help you shop. This might be the easier option. Target, Costco and a few others are known for their kid-friendly shopping carts. (Hopefully, readers will share some more.)
But many stores now have carts intended to seat two. Put two up front and put two in the cart. Pile food around them. Yes, be careful about who goes back there. That too may change. Tanya suggests that as the oldest one grows making him/her the "line leader" and give that child responsibility to even watch the next in line who could be instructed to hold on to the cart. A product like the tag*a*long may help you keep one kid at your side "attached" the cart. Always bring snacks or treats in case you need it.
Also consider forgoing the cart completely and bring a double stroller, have your four-year old walk and wear the baby. Whatever you fit in the stroller is what you buy.
And if all this makes you crazy....you might look into Peapod, grocery store pick up (Harris Teeter offers this) or buying your groceries online until someone starts kindergarten.
Along these lines...perhaps some of these posts will make you smile:
We can't wait to hear some other options!
(Check back next Wednesday for a question on buying a mini van . . . )
Gah, I can't even imagine! I can barely even take my two grocery shopping and like the post mentioned, I do it with snacks. The only way to keep my kids still and quiet is with food. Good luck!
Posted by: Casey | Jan 27, 2010 at 02:55 PM
One mom I know of took her stroller AND got a cart and just scooted slowly around.
Personally, I think I would put the baby on front in a moby wrap or ring sling, the 1 year old on my back in a mei tai, and then I'd have a free hand for the older two on the way in. Then I'd put the 3 year old in the cart seat and either let the 4 year old walk, if s/he can behave, or in the basket.
Posted by: Natalie | Jan 27, 2010 at 03:57 PM
When I was expecting my third baby, my older two were 2 and 3.5 years old and I sometimes babysat for a 6 month old and a 1.5 year old in my home. I took them with me on a couple of grocery runs. I put the 2 and 1.5 year olds into the double stroller, wore the baby with a gypsy wrap (kinda like a moby, so was stretchy and worked with my prego belly) and had my 3.5 year old walk holding onto the stroller and be my helper to pick up things that were on the lower shelves. Yes, I got lots of strange looks and comments but I got the job done! I could only buy as much as would fit in the under stroller basket which kept me focused and from over spending.
Good Luck!
Posted by: Suzanne | Jan 27, 2010 at 08:44 PM
When mine were 0, 1 and 2 I just got the groceries delivered. I couldn't handle it! Now the two older ones can fit in the kind of cart that has a racecar/train attached to the front and the little one fits in the regular spot...
Posted by: sahmCFO | Jan 27, 2010 at 09:20 PM
wearing one or two of them, and snacks are great ideas too! i have taken my two under two in the double stroller and it has a big enough basket underneath for the things i needed... i say practice!! and be clear with older ones, what you expect of them as well. even offering bribes like m&m's if they are super good for the trip :)
Posted by: Pam | Jan 27, 2010 at 11:15 PM
I only two right now, but they often just walk along with me and neither sit in the cart (2.5 year old and 17 month old). Now, we only do this during non-crazy-times at the store, so not on the weekend and not between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. when everyone is running through Publix for their dinner fixings :)
They do exceptionally well and the threat of being made to sit in the cart "like a baby" (that's what my 2.5 year old says, lol) keeps them in check.
When the next one comes along in June, I'll just wear him!
Posted by: Amanda | Jan 28, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Thanks for the link up. :)
Unfortunately we had a crazy ole outing last night and I wrote about it (and now my girls are 4 and 7.) YIKES. Thankfully nine times out of ten we go to the store and return and it's relatively fine.
Hopefully I won't freak anyone out too badly. Tee hee.
Posted by: Jamie | Jan 28, 2010 at 06:56 PM
Iam not able to believe this..I can barely even take my two grocery shopping ....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viva-Magazine-Your-Premium-Womens-Natural-Health-Magazine/262734921452?ref=ts
Posted by: women's health | Jan 29, 2010 at 12:51 AM
Hi! I have 5 ages 9,7,5,3 and almost 1. Now my three oldest walk through the store well (though not always willingly,) but when it was just the four, I put the baby in a sling, next youngest in the seat of the cart, and the next youngest in the big part of the cart. Oldest gets to walk and be the helper, getting things off shelves for mom! Get a handled shopping basket to put under the cart and put as much as you can in there. Not much room, but you can put a few things next to your child in the cart! I try to avoid having to take all the kids, but sometimes it has to happen :)
Posted by: Ruby | Jan 31, 2010 at 11:04 PM
I'm tempted to tell you to wait to buy something like this until you actually have the kid and you can test them in the store to see what your baby likes
Posted by: Moby Wrap | Feb 25, 2010 at 09:34 AM