In the last couple of weeks, I have had to go shopping to get some new shoes with my girls in tow. Usually I purchase a lot of my clothes online, but when it comes to shoes, I really need to try them on before I buy them. My feet are wide near the toes and narrow at the ankle which makes it hard to find the right fit. My feet have also grown to a size 10 due to pregnancy.
A lot of my sandals from last season were a size 9 or the sole was so thin, they offered little support or cushioning to my feet.
The situation was looking dire in my shoe wardrobe and I was avoiding wearing certain dresses and skirts because I didn’t have the right footwear to go with them.
The only option was to go shopping and take my 1 year old and 2 year old with me.
Fun times.
I was able to get what I needed and get my shoes but it did take a few trips and a bit of research. I’ve put together some tips on how to shop for yourself with little kids in tow.
- Take a list of what you need and make sure you take this with you when you go shopping. If you go grocery shopping or need to run errands, take the kids with you to browse as part of your research.
- Realise that if you do take your kids shopping, the time will be limited as your kid will get restless and want to get out of their confines. Usually an hour to 2 hours maximum is what my girls will cope with before they complain and ask for a milkshake, toy or play on the indoor playground. Make peace that you might have to make a couple of trips to get what you need.
- Whether they understand it or not, explain to your kids that you’re going shopping to get mummy shoes or clothes when you drive into the carpark. Explain it won’t take too long, but they will need to be patient as mummy tries on some clothes. Maggie understood me when I told her, but Phoebe had no clue and just grinned at me. Explaining what you’re doing prepares them for what is about to happen.
- Choose your vehicle of choice in the shopping centre. For me, I chose to take my double seater pram so I could strap Phoebe and Maggie in. This means they are contained when going in and out of shops and when you try on clothes/shoes. If you’re buying a few pairs of shoes, you might opt to use a trolley because of the shoe boxes.
- When you head to the change room, use the wheelchair access cubicle when offered. Most assistants automatically offer this so you can wheel your pram/trolley in with you.
- When shoe shopping, let out your toddler if you can trust they will remain in the shop. Beware that your toddler may rearrange a shoe display. Apologise to the sales assistant and arrange the display back to how it was. Most sales people will happily oblige to doing the rearranging themselves so it gives them something to do during a slow weekday.
- Have snacks and mini toys on hand to distract your kids while trying on clothes and shoes.
- Don’t push your kids past their limit. If they are crying and carrying on, put a stop to the shopping and take them to the parents room for some time out/change of scenery or to an indoor playground if there is one in the shopping centre. If your kids start tantruming while you’re browsing you are most likely going to make you rush to get your purchase.
- Reward your kids for their patience by allowing them to play on the indoor play equipment or buying morning tea/lunch after you’ve finished.
Maggie trying on the display shoes while I get fitted for mine
Thinks she’s pretty cool
How do you like to shop for clothes and shoes? Do you take your kids with you? Have any tips to share with other mums how you cope taking your kids shopping when you’re shopping for yourself?
I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.