Grocery shopping is an essential activity for adults. But I forgot about this life skill when I was on maternity leave. My husband, mother, and mother-in-law did this chore for me while I dedicated all my time to my baby.
However, soon reality struck, and I had to leave for grocery shopping. Since my baby was still very young and we had no one at home to look after, I decided to take the baby with me.
But How to Grocery Shop with a Stroller? I figured out this answer with logic, research, and experience. Which not only helped me with my first child but also with my second baby.
If you are a new parent looking for an answer, this is the right place. Let us walk through the troubles that may arise and how to successfully deal with them.
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Choosing the Stroller
If your baby reaches the age of sitting in a stroller, then you will need a stroller first. Choosing the right stroller for grocery shopping is the main key. Since you will be shopping and also carrying the stroller, the stroller has to meet all the basic requirements.
The stroller should not burden you but rather make your life easier. Here is what to look for in your stroller. There are many types of strollers, so you should pick one for yourself wisely.
1. Stroller Storage and Size
It is not necessary to buy a bigger stroller to get ample storage space. There are lightweight strollers with sufficient storage capacity. And this is exactly what you need.
Look for a lightweight and compact stroller with spacious undercarriage storage to keep your groceries. Heavy strollers will unnecessarily make your grocery trips troublesome.
2. Maneuverability
You will be moving through narrow aisles and walking through crowded passages with heavy bags and a list to follow. An unmanageable stroller getting stuck in the process will make the experience bitter.
Choosing a good stroller with high-quality wheels can make your experience a lot easier. Strollers with front swivel wheels are easy to maneuver. A stroller from a prominent company ensures wheel safety as well as easy maneuverability.
Go for a stroller with wheels suspension and maintain your stroller wheels so that it does not get stuck during crucial moments.
3. Weight Capacity
Strollers with a higher weight capacity will be able to carry your baby safely as well as accommodate your groceries.
There is a high risk of your stroller tipping over if you burden the handle or put too much load in the storage basket.
However, strollers with a higher weight capacity will make sure you carry your child and accommodate enough groceries without compromising your baby’s safety.
Nevertheless, always keep in mind to never exceed the recommended weight limit mentioned in the stroller’s guidelines. Do not overload the storage basket or carry your baby after exceeding the weight limit.
4. Durability
When buying a stroller for regular use, opt for a stroller that is made with high-quality materials. The stroller I had bought for my first baby was used for years and even after that, I reused it with my second child.
Durable and well-built strollers come with a hefty price tag. However, if you can choose the right stroller, it will be worth the price. The stroller should be able to withstand regular wear and tear.
Prominent companies like Uppababy, Baby Trend, Baby Jogger, Graco, Babyzen YoYo, Mountain Buggy, etc., promise quality and durability for their strollers.
Here are some lightweight stroller suggestions for everyday use- 10 Best Lightweight Travel Strollers.
5. Child’s Comfort
Apart from having good features for your convenience, having a smooth and comfortable stroller for your baby is also important. At the end of the day, it is your baby who’s going to ride it.
Babies spend most of their time in the stroller, especially when we are busy working or grocery shopping. So ensuring their comfort is very important.
Before purchasing the stroller, make sure it has soft and breathable seat covers and cushions. The fabric of the stroller cushion should not suffocate your baby and provide optimal back and neck support.
Sometimes bad quality seat fabric can cause allergies and rashes on your baby’s soft skin. Check the materials list and also ensure the stroller is free of any toxic materials.
6. Convenient Folding
This feature is especially important for the bigger babies. When children throw a tantrum and insist on walking, holding an open stroller will create a hassle.
Managing a baby itself is hardwood. And managing the stroller, cart and your baby is a nightmare (at least for me).
Having a stroller with a convenient folding feature will be of great help. Most strollers nowadays offer one-touch fold-and-unfold features.
You do not need additional support to keep your stroller standing. Go for a stroller with easy folding and storing features for convenient grocery shopping.
7. Price
Never forget to check the price tag before purchasing your baby’s stroller. Make a list of the things you want in the stroller and set a budget.
I have never hesitated to splurge on my kids where necessary. However, it is not always important to spend a lot to get the best.
There are various models of strollers with amazing features in reasonable price ranges. Go for a stroller that suits your budget and has all the features for your and your baby’s convenience.
If you have a UPPABaby Vista, you can read: 7 Easy Steps | How to Fold UPPABaby Vista Stroller
When to Go Grocery Shopping With a Stroller
Being a stay-at-home mom, I had the luxury of shopping whenever I wanted. And I always choose off-peak hours to go grocery shopping.
As a New Yorker, it is very difficult to avoid crowds. However, I had acquaintances with my super shop manager, who informed me about the off-peak hours.
I always try to avoid crowds when I am out with my baby. Too much noise or activity can make babies agitated and also cause health issues in young children.
Carry Baby Food
If your child often gets cranky, it is probably because they have gotten hungry. I always make sure that I have enough supplies of munchies in me whenever I am out for long hours.
Since grocery shopping can take some time, keeping your baby busy with their favorite treats is a great option. It will satisfy their cravings as well as buy them some time to finish shopping before heading home.
Ask for Help
If I see a new parent with their baby in a grocery store, I never hesitate to offer help. As a mom myself, I understand how some compassionate words can make our day better.
When you feel overwhelmed or too worked up with the situation, ask for help. You can always call the shopkeepers for assistance. You can later offer tips to them and thank them for their help.
Final Word
Parents are not superheroes. We, too, need help, rest, and assistance in our day-to-day life. If you are a new parent, I would suggest you take things slow.
You are not liable for everything. If you are too caught up, you can complete your week’s grocery shopping online.
If you have friendly neighbors or friends nearby, tell them to help you go grocery shopping. If you choose a good-quality stroller, most things will get easier for you.
Grocery shopping with your baby can help you bond with your child. Your baby will learn to understand and appreciate your work. Love yourself first to be able to love your baby.
More Resources
The Working Parent’s Survival Guide: 16 Tips for Caring for a Baby
How Does the Dancing Cactus Toy Promote Learning and Development of Your Baby?
6 Beach Hacks to Keep Your Baby Cool and Refresh at the Beach
How Old Should A Baby Be To Stay Overnight With Grandparents
My name is Olivia Brown, and I’m a New York-based blogger and stay-at-home parent. Former business executive enjoying retirement and time with kids Lily and Max. On my blog, I review things for kids and offer my honest thoughts and insights to other parents who may be having the same or similar experiences.
