Out and about on your own: stress‑free shopping with your baby

Your supermarket of choice:

Almost every supermarket now offers modern shopping trolleys that can carry both toddlers and infant car seats. In addition, there are clear differences when it comes to the family‑friendliness of supermarkets: from designated parent parking spaces that are wider to make removing a baby carrier easier, to wide aisles where even large pushchairs can be manoeuvred with ease, to attentive staff – You'll quickly notice which supermarket makes shopping with your baby most pleasant.

Well planned:

With a baby you do lose a bit of spontaneity. That's a pity, but shopping actually goes more smoothly when you adapt it to your everyday routine: head out when your baby is fed and freshly nappy‑changed, and avoid the evening rush at the supermarket.

Shopping with a baby – is it possible?

It's not just the daily grocery shop – sooner or later you might need new shoes, a winter coat or birthday presents for your partner. With a few tricks you can manage shopping with a baby even when it goes beyond a trip to the supermarket or weekly market.

Use nap time:

Try to schedule your shopping for around your baby's nap. If you go for a long walk beforehand, there's a good chance your child will sleep through trying on clothes and the shopping in their pushchair.

Get some help:

Maybe your mum or a friend can come shopping with you? That way you can pop into the changing room for a moment without worry or sit down to try on shoes.

Keeping them occupied:

Sometimes it helps to have a new toy ready for a shopping trip. While your child is happily occupied with it, you'll have a bit of time to browse and shop.

Practical tips for relaxed shopping

• Allow plenty of time: With children, shopping takes longer – if you plan for that from the outset, you'll avoid stress

• Avoid peak times: Preferably go shopping when it's a bit quieter to avoid crowded aisles and queues at the checkout

• Bring something to keep them occupied: A toy or a small book will distract them and give you a bit of peace

• Take it easy: If you're hurried or annoyed, it can quickly affect your child

• Weekly shop: Better to plan one big shop and then occasionally go to the market or the bakery

• Be prepared: Even for seemingly short trips, always take a spare nappy and a spare bodysuit

Image credits

Mother with baby in a buggy, pulling a shopping basket © Анастасия Стягайло - stock.adobe.com

Baby in the child seat of a shopping trolley © Halfpoint - stock.adobe.com

Mother pushes a buggy and looks at her child © kasto - stock.adobe.com

Mother lifts her child up and shows the produce counter © Galina Zhigalova - stock.adobe.com