Taking a toddler shopping can be torture. Not just for you but for your toddler, too. They get bored easily and constantly need attention or snacks. Here are my favorite mom hacks for taking a toddler shopping at the mall without either one of you screaming.
{ This post was developed in partnership with Similac. All opinions are my own. }
1. Bring a friend
I hate shopping by myself. So my BFF and I plan mall dates with our toddlers. Yes, it’s a play date for them, but it’s also a mom date for us! Plus, if I need to pay for something, she can watch both of the kids while I’m busy and vice versa.
It’s hard to wrangle a toddler while you’re shopping. And the added paranoia of baby snatchers doesn’t help. So I prefer to shop with an extra pair of hands and eyes.
If your SO is available to go with you, it can be a fun family trip, too. My husband usually works on Saturdays when I like to go to the mall so I bring my BFF.
2. Time shopping around naptime
We like to shop in the morning before naptime that way the kids are super tired when we get home. But going shopping after naptime also works. It was hard to time it when Toot was taking two naps a day and while she was transitioning to just one. The morning works best for her, but after naps might work better for your toddler.
Just don’t plan to shop during your toddler’s naptime because cranky toddlers are not exactly the most cooperative. And they’re at the stage where they probably won’t sleep in a stroller.
3. Stop at a play area or quarter rides
Our mall has a play area for toddlers and little kids. It’s fantastic! We get to the mall before the stores open to take advantage of the play area. We’re usually the only ones there. Check to see if your mall opens early for mall walkers. I think most do.
Giving your kids some time to play allows them to burn off some energy. It will also make them think the trip is about them when secretly you know it’s really for you! lol
If your mall doesn’t have a play area, they will probably have quarter rides. You know, the ones where you stick some quarters in and they move slightly but bring so much joy to a small child? I do not see the appeal in them, but whatever makes the kids happy!
4. Get a fun shopping car or bring a stroller
Malls don’t have shopping carts. So you’ll need to either bring a stroller or rent a cool shopping car or whatever your mall has for toddlers.
We used to bring a stroller, but now that she’s two we like to rent the cars for her. It’s only a few bucks, and she loves them so much. Plus, when our besties join us, we can get a double car so only one mom has to push the kids. And they come with a basket for our purses and shopping bags and even cup holders for our coffee!
5. Have lunch at the food court
Usually, our last activity at the mall is lunch at the food court because naptime is right after lunch. It’s very convenient to sit the kids down in high chairs and let them have pretzel bites while we get whatever we want. It also gives you a chance to sit down and relax.
6. Pack wipes for their messy faces and fingers
Their faces are going to get messy when you give them any type of food. Fingers too. Toddlers are messy little creatures.
7. Dressing room mirrors will keep them busy while trying on clothes
Trying on clothes while you’re shopping with a toddler is stressful. They don’t like to stay in one spot for too long, and it’s boring for them. The mirrors in the dressing room can be a source of fun long enough for you to try on a couple of things.
This is also where your BFF or SO come in. Take turns trying on clothes and watching the kids.
8. Bring a small toy
If your little one isn’t amused by the sights and people, bring a little toy to keep them entertained. We had cars for the kids to play with at the table in the food court. They finished their pretzels early so they took turns sharing the little car toys nicely while we talked.
Tablets are a good distraction and attention holder, too. So if you’re a tablet mom, go for it.
9. Let them walk around a little
Toddlers just learned how to walk so they don’t like to be immobile for too long. Yeah, you’re going to need to strap them into a stroller or car for most of the trip, but let them walk around a little. They need to stretch their little legs, too.
10. ELEVATORS
Omg, who knew elevators would be so much fun? Toddlers. That’s who. There are only two floors in our mall, but our kids would ride the elevator all day because it’s glass so you can see out to the center of the mall. Toot gasps every time it starts moving. And they both say “up, up, up!” or “down, down, down!”
11. Pack a portable snack
Our favorites are the Go & Grow by Similac pouches. They’re easy to toss into a diaper bag or into your purse. The kids love all of the flavors of fruit. My BFF and I love the hidden veggies.
The Go & Grow by Similac Pouches contain three to four combined services of fruits and vegetables. They are Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, contain no fillers, artificial flavors or colors and are gluten free.
We hand them a pouch while they’re in the car as we walk around the mall. They contently suck down the puree, and we get time to chat. It’s fantastic. If they don’t finish them, we can put the caps back on. But they almost always finish them. And then ask for more! lol
The Go & Grow by Similac pouches come in two age groups. The baby stage pouches are for 6 months and up. The toddler stage pouches are for 12 months and up. You can still give your toddler the baby pouches. Toot’s BFF loves the pear, blueberry, and spinach one and it’s a baby pouch. Toot loves all of the mango pouches.
Here are the flavors you can get for the Baby stage:
- Pumpkin, Banana, Carrot Puree
- Sweet Potato, Apple, Carrot Puree
- Pear, Blueberry, Spinach Puree
- Mango, Pear, Spinach Puree
And here are the Toddler flavors:
- Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, Banana, Carrot, Spinach, Broccoli Puree
- Mango, Sweet Potato, Pear Puree
- Mango, Apple, Butternut Squash, Spinach Puree
- Apple, Butternut Squash, Banana, Blueberry Puree
You can find the Go & Grow by Similac Pouches in the baby aisle at Walmart! Or you can find them and more info online here!
How do you shop at the mall with a toddler?
Let me know in the comments below!
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These are great tips! i have huge anxiety about shopping with my kids. I will keep these tips in mind next time I do! Shared to Pinterest and Twitter! Thanks for sharing at Mama Blog Monday! 🙂
Thanks, Brittany!!
Bringing snacks and letting mine walk around a bit helps him enjoy the shopping trip much more! I just have to let him walk at the end because once he’s out of the cart or stroller, there’s no going back in. Nice to see you on the link-up party!
Thanks, Jessie!
Great post! My days of having a toddler to go shopping with are long over! But it was nice to reminisce about those days and what to do. Thanks so much.
This Is great! I love that you plan shopping time with a friend.
Thanks!
Thank you for all the tips about shopping with a toddler. I really want to go shopping with my friend but my husband can’t watch our son. I really like your tip about bringing a small toy to distract them. A tablet would be a really good distraction too.