how do you go to grocery/target with newborn? (dumb ftm question)

[Anonymous]

So our baby is 4 wks old - we're pretty mobile and get out but I can't figure out how to take her to the grocery or target (or anyplace where I'd need a cart)

I'm not so skilled with the sling yet and I don't relish the idea of those red plastic seats they have in carts (plus how do I get her there? Carry her in my arms from the parking garage? This is in urban DC)

[Anonymous]

Put infant carrier either in the basket or latch it to the front seat of the cart. The front seat made me nervous so I used to just put the entire infant car seat in the basket and put my stuff around it.

[Anonymous]

At that stage I was using the Snap N Go, so I would just push the stroller (basket is somewhat larger than most) and get a few things to put in the basket then just wheeled up to the checkout.

If you are doing a bigger shop this won't necessarily work. It is awkward but not impossible to push the stroller and also carry a basket...

I was not a sling person so this is what I did initially. You might also be able to hang some reusable totes from the stroller and use those for additional space.

[Anonymous]

Yep, if your stroller has a car seat attachment,it's the easiest way (or if you drive there - just carry the car seat and plop in in the store cart). OR, just go with your stroller, and use the cart area of the stroller for your stuff if it's not that much.

[Anonymous]

We have the chicco keyfit and it takes up the ENTIRE grocery cart...it was pretty funny when I tried that.

I was worried that using the snap and go basket, they'd think I was shoplifting or something, but will do that!

[Anonymous]

We started using a Snugli at about that age. $20 at Target.

And, since we live within walking distance of the Columbia Heights shopping, I went out almost every day with the stroller and just bought what I needed right then. The stroller basket wouldn't accommodate a week's worth of shopping, but no problem for a day.

[Anonymous]

I think I eat more than everyone else! I usually put the carseat onto the little passenger seat in the cart (one for a toddler, not the big plastic one). Mine actually snapped in if I got it at the right angle (snugride, but it's a few years old). Another option is to wear the baby in a bjorn. This felt easier to me than a sling when it came to grocery shopping. But I will admit that if you have to squat down to get a flat of water or paper towels and shove it under the cart, it is awkward!

of course, my first choice was (and still is) to wait to grocery shop until saturday afternoon at naptime so I could leave DH home with the kids!

[Anonymous]

I know all this stuff can be intimidating but by 4w you really should just try a Bjorn. They're not really complicated at all and frankly my kids outgrew them by 8 or 9 months so you may as well use it while you can.

[Anonymous]

At first I used a Bjorn, which was more comfortable for me than the sling. I also bought a shopping cart cover, and that was nice once the baby was sitting up a bit, because its soft and cushy and keeps them from licking the metal cart. My baby fell asleep in the shopping cart cover a couple times and I just laid him down sidewards in it and he was fine (although a mean old lady tut-tutted me once over it). I had trouble using the car seat because I am pretty short and had a hard time seeing around it to push the cart and not run into people.

[Anonymous]

Another fan of the bjorn here.

[Anonymous]

I used the ergo or other carrier. I never liked carrying dd in the carseat -- too heavy and bulky. And yes, if you're going to carry her into the store and use their provided seats, there's nothing wrong with actually carrying the baby in arms.

[Anonymous]

Yet another fan of using a carrier (sling, moby, bjorn, ergo...whatever you have). It's comfortable for the baby and you have two hands to use. I used the moby and it was wonderful. It made going places super easy.

[Anonymous]

I stuck the car seat on the front part of the shopping cart, where it latches on. It made me nervous at first but was the most convenient option for me. Plus that way I just chatted with DD about what we were doing at the grocery store and showed her all the fun food we were going to buy. Unfortunately, this habit stuck and I now can't go to the grocery store without giving a play by play to what I'm buying, even if DD isn't with me and I'm there with another adult.

[Anonymous]

I second the Bjorn or Ergo. I was really nervous about doing it at first, but it quickly became second nature. So easy to be hands-free.

[Anonymous]

Just put the car seat in the shopping cart. I have a really funny picture of my daughter in her car seat surronded by groceries!