5 Tips to Shopping with a Toddler

1- Be Prepared (This will speed up the trip and help you spend less)

~Have a list ready of the items you need, clip any coupons you plan to use 

~Map out where you plan to go first in the store then organize your list accordingly

~Take along a little treat for your toddler

2- Go at a Good Time

~Avoid going right before naps or bed when you child is more likely to overreact

3- Take Advantage of What the Store has to Offer

~Use a fun shopping cart

~ Grab a free cookie from the bakery

~ Many stores have suckers or Smarties they give to kids at check-out

4- Involve your Toddler

~Make shopping fun by playing “I spy” and having your child help you find certain items

~Have your child help hold the shopping list

~Have your child help hand the cashier items at check-out

~Try to have the attitude that shopping is fun not just a chore, your child will catch on

5- Bribe your Toddler

~Try to do this to reward good behavior not reinforce bad behavior

~I like to use little snacks since we usually go shopping around snack time anyways. I usually bring a sucker, fruit snacks, string cheese or crackers…use what you have