Top 10 Tips for Grocery Shopping with Kids

It is Thursday. You are exhausted, but when you open your cabinets, moths fly out. Kidding. But the pantry is bare and you’ve fed your kids scrambled eggs for both breakfast AND lunch. What does this mean? A dreaded trip to the (insert Hitchcock music here) GROCERY STORE.

And what’s better than taking your child or children to a vast land of goodies right at arm’s reach? But it doesn’t have to be crazy. Does it? Here are ten simple tips to maximize your store trip with the littles and minimize the tears. From both yourself and your children. Let’s do this:

1.) Do NOT go hungry. Trust me on this. If you go right after a meal with full bellies, you are much more likely to buy yourself a few minutes more in the store due to fewer breakdowns because of low blood sugar. This goes for mama and kiddo. When I go to the store hungry, my cart is crazy-full of things I would normally never buy. Wow, those donuts and 12oz. steaks look mighty tasty. Resist the urge! Go full or go home.

2.) But Also Pack a Snack. Yep. I said it. Pack healthy snacks and water cups (that way if it spills it is “just water” and not a sticky stream of juice down Aisle 7). I usually make a “trail mix” with dry cereal, peanuts, and dried raisins or cranberries and hand out ziplock bags a few minutes into the trip. Keeps them occupied and less likely to ask for a treat if they are already holding one.

3.) Make that List. The most efficient store trips I have experienced are the ones when I go with a detailed store list. I usually divide my list by section of the store, so I am not running back and forth between aisles and passing the same people one hundred times. You small town folk hear me. You have a convo in one aisle then pass them two more times, with an awkward smile that says “Yep. It’s me again!” I also send text messages to myself sometimes too. Or do a quick scroll through my Pinterest boards before leaving the vehicle for recipe ideas.

4.) Park Next to a Cart Return. You may think parking as close to the front door is a good idea, but parking next to the cart return allows you to unload and load your kids straight from the car to the buggy, which eliminates walking through a parking lot full of distracted drivers when you are outnumbered. Plus, you can unload your groceries while your kids are safely buckled in and return it right there.

5.) Utilize your Gear. Below is a picture of me, shopping on the Fourth of July, with three kids three and under, in 2011. That was insane. Seriously. WHAT WAS I THINKING. But, the Moby Wrap was my saving grace that day, as double strollers, car seat carriers, and backpack carriers have been in the past. Check out Kristen’s KMB post about the benefits and convenience of baby wearing {here}.

6.) Staple Coupons to Your Store List. I haven’t “couponed” in a while, but in the past I stapled all of that business to my store list. Otherwise, I am digging through my purse at the checkout while my kids are playing with dog toys and beef jerky. Staple them. You just saved yourself a couple bucks and a few gray hairs.

7.) Potty Trips. Go Beforehand. There is nothing worse than being *this close* to leaving the store when someone has to go potty. Then you have to find the ONE bathroom in the store and leave that heaping cart of groceries and perishable food items to their lonesome. Dear Lord, PLEASE do not let a stock boy see this full buggy and think it needs to be restocked. Potty BEFORE you begin. Please.

8.) Involve Them in the Trip. Give them a list of items to check off if they can read, have them find things in the store that are red, blue, yellow, etc., or color a picture of food on your notepad in the store that is healthy. When they feel some ownership to the trip, it makes it fun for them instead of boring.

9.) Treat Yo-Self. You heard me. You just spent an HOUR or more in a large store with children and tons of food. You have earned a movie sized box of candy, kettle chips, a large sweet tea, or a white chocolate mocha. You have earned a reward! You did a great job.

10.) Go at Night or Ask for Help. When all else fails, and you just cannot deal with another shopping trip alone with the kiddos, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Friends and family are always willing to lend a hand. Or go really late at night, when the husband is home and everyone is asleep. But still get yourself those Snow Caps for the drive home. You’ve conquered meal planning for the masses. That deserves a gold medal.

What are your life-saving tips for grocery shopping with littles? Share below and let’s chat!