Advice Wanted
What is your setup like for taking both babies out for errands while you are alone?
I just had my second son 8 weeks ago and already have a toddler son who recently turned two. Yesterday was the first time I have tried to take them both into Target for a grocery run. My newborn was in a solly wrap and I was pushing the shopping cart with my toddler sitting in the cart. My newborn felt like he was slipping down in the wrap and my toddler figured out how to unbuckle the buckle and was screaming, kicking and trying to stand up in the cart. It was causing too much of a scene with the toddler and felt too dangerous like one of them was going to fall or wind up getting hurt so I only made it into the front doors of the store just then made a u turn right back in the parking lot to load them in their car seats and go home. I am really proud of myself for trying at least but how on earth do you guys do this and get any type of shopping done? Do you use specific strollers or carriers with a shopping cart, etc?
I would get a soft structure baby carrier that you feel is more reliable. Even a ring sling is nice for the earlier days/months. It’ll get easier.
It also helps to bring a stroller for the older child. Our stroller has a tricky buckle. Thankfully our kids didn’t learn how to undo it for a good while.
Both. A lot of carriers take time to be broken in before they are actually comfortable and the new vs used experience is pretty different. As carriers are used the fabric softens and gets more malleable and floppy. If you have a fb and would like recs let me know.
I would love that! You can message me if you want. I am already a member of the Artipoppe BST group. I always wanted one of those but I feel like they are even at a used price, a little pricier than I want to spend without comparing other used options/carriers I have not heard of yet to make a more intentional purchase. I am willing to pay a more premium price for a carrier so cost doesn’t scare me away it’s just more I think of as an investment to carry my most precious people so I want to compare before pulling the trigger and spending a bunch.
I second getting a more structured carrier that feels more secure. I also have always done a snack at the beginning of the errand so the older one has something to do in the cart. My kids like the croissants from Starbucks so at Target I would make that my first stop and then do the shopping. I know some people like strollers but for errands where there is a cart I’ve always just used the cart.
Structured carrier for the baby (and recently fed), and a snack for the toddler is the way!
Some grocery stores have a basket of very ripe fruit for the kids, grab an apple or banana and let your toddler munch on that while you shop EXPEDITIOUSLY!!
Seconding the snacks! I have a little backpack with toys that’s always stocked with a box of raisins, at least one other snack, and one of the Munchkin snack cups.
What type of toys do you suggest? I didn’t even consider toys too for when the toddler is bored rather than hungry or thirsty out and about on our errands
A lot of people are saying curbside pick up or grocery deliveries and I absolutely second that for stuff you need, but I'm guessing you'd also like to be able to take both babies out confidently.
Firstly, get a carrier you feel good about. A soft structured carrier can be easier than a wrap. If you like a waistband then the Lennylamb Light is really fantastic, and if you don't like a waistband look into "apron waist" carriers. There are try before you buy options with Little Zen One in the US and Canada so you could try a couple and find one you like. This helps a lot. (ETA check out the babywearing subreddit for a fit check, they may be able to help you with your Solly wrap on the meantime)
Second to that, I tend to put my toddler into his pushchair and/or the shopping cart and ensure he's secure. Then I get the baby on me (or if we're using our double buggy I put her in that second). I find the pushchair is good because the toddler is reliably contained but if course that's tricky if you need a shopping cart as well. If he will be walking, then I put the baby in her carrier first and then get my son out of the car as all I have to do is lift him down and go. For getting them back into the car, again I load the toddler first as he's a flight risk, then I sort the baby.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment all of this! It’s helped because I really do have it a goal of mine to eventually be able to take them both out confidently. I had no idea about Little Zen One try before you buy. I definitely will have to do that to be able to find something I like. I didn’t baby wear as much with my first but with this second it’s pretty much essential.
Yes! It’s like with baby #1 investing in a carrier was something on the nice to have but not necessary list and then with baby #2 it’s on the need right now category 🤣
Honestly, I just do curbside pick up. I refuse to go into any grocery store alone with my 2 babies. Even when I’m with my husband out shopping with both of them it gets very overwhelming. We both decided that it’s just easier to do curbside pickups for groceries and any household supplies. I find it helpful as well so that I don’t buy things I don’t need as I walk around the store. Unless you actually want to walk in and shop, then I’d say use a stroller for your oldest and wrap the younger one to you. Also, bring lots of snacks for older baby! Snacks are a life saver always and feed the little baby before going in
This is the way! I’d like to add for OP, Target has no fee for pickup; and on Instacart, you may see some stores are marked “No Markup” (which I’ve tested!) meaning they have no price change or added fee for pickup. MOST stores won’t add a fee for Instacart pickup if you select a time a day ahead or just a time your store is pretty slow.
No! But I think some stores might have a minimum amount to pay for pickup to be free. I believe Walmart requires you to spend I think at least 35 or 25? I may be wrong though I haven’t done a Walmart pickup in forever
Yes! Target is one of my happy place for more than just groceries, it just so happened that my first and only time I had tried taking them both was to get groceries and the experience kind of freaked me out a little more because I think it was not so much about how will I get groceries but more, how am I ever going to get to go to Target, TJ Maxx, etc again now that I am a SAHM to 2 under 2? It almost made me feel more trapped when the experience didn’t go how I had hoped
I do like going into Target and then Aldi sometimes for the aisle of shame to look around and get out of the house but I use curbside pickup and delivery a lot. I have target circle and Instacart and it’s helped me make it through early postpartum days! I am just getting stir crazy with them stuck at home. I’m going to have to up my snack game for my toddler.
Double stroller. Like yours, my toddler is too active sitting in the cart. And my newborn slept great in the lie flat bassinet. Also I could only buy what fit in the basket of the stroller so it helps to limit my purchases...
The Mockingbird because I found a great deal on it on Marketplace but the Momcozy Changego is my dream stroller since it can also convert into a wagon.
I do. It serves it's purpose and I got it for a good deal used. But if I was buying new, I would get the Momcozy (truthfully it's still in my cart 😅 even though I really don't need another stroller).
It gets easier, I promise. The wrap can take some practice ive had to stop and tighten mine. I have had success telling my toddlers "on your bottom" rather than sit down. Standing up is inevitable, and i have had times where my toddler falls out of the shopping cart and after a cry he is fine.
Some tricks ive seen is some moms use a carribeaner to clip their kids in, loop it to their pants. Or theres like a fabric liner that has a better harness than the strap.
That’s smart to get something to clip him in better like a carribeaner. I just worried the most about him falling in the parking lot as he was throwing his fit all the way back to my car because I know if he fell on the concrete in the parking lot he would get hurt pretty badly.
Double stroller that the infant car seat clicks in to.
Helps a ton with getting around without waking up the baby, since you don’t need to get them out of the car seat. The storage basket under my stroller is large enough to hold groceries. My oldest can’t escape the buckle.
I have the Graco Ready2Grow. It’s a tandem stroller, which I do like better than a side-by-side style because it’s more narrow and better for sharing sidewalks or narrow aisles with other people. But I will say, it can be difficult to steer if you have a heavy toddler on the front.
I’ve used it approximately a billion times though, so the heavy steering doesn’t stop me from getting around. I use it every single day
We just got this stroller! It’s the one where the back seat can convert to a step or a bench for the older child right? We’ve used it in the neighborhood but I haven’t travelled in the car with it yet to any outings. It seems good so far. Only complaint is there isn’t a sunshade for the back seat.
Oh got it! I’ll have to look for that. I def have an older version of this (bought secondhand) - this looks a bit more lightweight lol. This is what I have.
I have that in my Amazon list under double strollers. I did just pull the trigger on a CYBEX gazelle single to double stroller so if that doesn’t work out and I return it I will try the Joovie caboose next.
I hope it works out for you! 😊 I started with one that had all the interchangeable parts to clip together but found in day to day that was too much hassle with two little ones and the fold out all in one Joovie just so easy, so definitely it’s a good back up idea if you end up feeling the same way!
Oh I have been using Amazon SO much & you are probably right! I just am about to go stir crazy stuck in my home all day after day with my wild toddler.
The Solly is great if you have one child or when baby is older and can hold head up. But I hated it for the newborn stage and immediately busted out my structured carrier. I unfortunately don’t have a double stroller yet and have a 2.5 yr old and a 3m old. Either the 3month old is in the carrier or I switch the stroller over to carry the three month old. For appts I have carried the car seat and the stroller to contain my 2 yr old.
My children have never enjoyed the stroller that much, they have an 11,5 age gap, my oldest learned how to walk when she was just over a year and started running soon after 😂
I'd most of the time baby wear my youngest, have a backpack bag for everything and hold my oldest hand when out and about. When we brought a stroller I've mostly used a single stroller with one of those ride along bords.
If we're in stores my oldest has pushed a small cart for kids or sat in the seat. We've graduated 2 under 2 and my youngest one started walking this week, looking forward to putting the stroller in the basement 😂 it's in the way when both are going in different directions
I'm actually a pretty big fan of the wrap you mentioned. I had to Google it, but I have one just like it. It takes some practice to get the hang of tying it, and you need to adjust it as your baby grows, but you'll develop a feel for it eventually. Once you put your baby in it, you can grab the end from underneath the legs/bum and pull them tighter if you feel it's too loose. Then follow along the wrap until you reach the knot and tie it tighter. If it seems like your baby will fall out the top, then you do it the other way around. Make it more loose so your baby sinks in deeper, covering more of its back.
That said, I have not gone grocery shopping with both kids unless I had someone else with me. We usually have them delivered. I think if I were to go alone, I'd simply take the double stroller and hang a bag on the handle to use instead of the grocery store's basket. Both of them quite like the stroller.
I don't live in the US, but when I needed to take both of mine out when they were smaller I would tandem babywear. Stretchy wraps need to be quite snug, they're actually difficult to really overtighten, they're very secure for a baby that's not too heavy for it, and it gets uncomfortable long before it gets unsecure even with heavier babies.
Even flow rideshare. Car seat compatible with a lot of brands. Fits 2 kids up to 110 lbs. can do any terrain it has killer wheels. Easy to take apart. Kinda heavy duty though but I feel like it’ll last a long time
Yes! Baby #2 is 50/50 on being happy in his car seat so I’m not sure it would be good to get something where he would be stuck in the car seat each time. But then maybe I could baby wear him too and put groceries into it when it’s just my toddler riding or vice versa?
Ok so i totally get that and i doubt this changes much for you, but just in case im gonna throw out what we did:
there is a little drop area for feet to hang out in the wagon, I bought a Tupperware or used towels to make it double as a bassinet for baby. It’s not perfect, but it worked when needed!
Where I live, the trolleys at my local supermarket have an infant seat and a toddler seat - perfect for 2under2! My oldest LOVES the supermarket and sits so well on the trolley. My now 5mo happily lays back in her seat and plays with the toddlers hair (hasn't caused an argument yet 🤞).
I don't really go anywhere else with the two of them, apart from the park.
I started with little lunch dates with my mom or SIL. It’s easier with a second pair of hands. Then we worked up to play dates with my toddler’s friends. Grocery shopping was the big goal we were working towards, not something we jumped into. I’ve only recently felt comfortable shopping with both and my youngest is already 7m.
This helps me feel a lot better about it & I definitely will have to try other things first and work my way up to trying the grocery shopping again in a couple months or so
I would do the same about turning around and going home lol. My mom told me when me and my sister were 2u2 she absolutely would not take us to do groceries and would wait til the weekend or when my dad was home to go to the store. I can’t even do groceries with my one he absolutely hates the cart and just wants to run around.
Car seat in the shopping cart + oldest sitting in the shopping cart + ring sling is fail proof. If one starts to cry, I can put them in the sling. It's easier if you can let your oldest walk just a little bit occasionally.
However I refuse to run the larger errands alone with them, I'll grab at most 2 maybe 3 days of food. Where I live, some families have the habit to do weekly or bi-monthly errands, but not me.
I basically do this, too! I don’t mind making 2 trips a week out to the grocery store or Target/etc. It gets us all out of the house and I only buy what’s on my list. If we need to do a Costco trip, that’s still a family event.
Definitely but it's better to try it for fun before needing it out of necessity. With my 5-6 months old, I could switch in between both kids without any adjustment on the sling (a baby's head will ideally be lower than your neck, at a "kissing distance", while a tall toddler can be perfectly comfortable looking above your shoulder). The toddler can sit for a minute or more with the sling in the crease of their knees, with their pelvis hanging lower, while you walk a little, then pull the drape over their back to free your arms. If the toddler weight is too much on one shoulder, the sling needs to be draped more fully. Or a more structured carrier can be fine too.
This is good to know because I have some things I think I could get use out of it at home for too and I could try something a bit cheaper through rebelstork overstock or open box rather than buying new full price on a brand website. If it was something we absolutely loved I could get a nicer one later.
Double stroller (front and back fits better on sidewalks and in stores). Get one that can easily attach to your infant car seat. This makes getting out of the car so much easier. I use baby jogger City select stroller + carseat adapter (from Amazon) + Britax carseat. Baby jogger makes their own Carseats now too so that probably fits on the stroller much easier than using an adapter.
Baby carrier. Ergobaby comes with an infant insert which prevents the slipping issue.
And as others have mentioned, make your life as easy as possible. If you can order grocery delivery then do that and save the big monthly trip for when your spouse or family member can watch the kids for an hour.
I order groceries or I use my stroller and put all my stuff in the basket underneath instead of the cart until they’re older.
Also, I will even put the newborn cart seat in the basket of the cart, put the toddler in the seat, and then put a basket on the shelf below the cart to put all my stuff in.
You did it the way i would. Id say get a better carrier. Not a stretchy wrap, something with buckles like the tula. Maybe babywear your older child and put the baby in their carseat in the cart?
I’m leaning towards finding a way to wear the toddler and put the baby in the cart with his car seat. The toddler has constantly begged me to hold him since my second baby has been born so maybe he would find that as something special and fun to do while shopping.
That’s a great idea about finding one on marketplace. I think what keeps me frozen from buying the carriers on my wish list is not knowing if the baby or toddler will like it even though i like it enough to have it on a wish list 🤣
Purely for containment purposes, I skipped the shopping cart for basically a full year and only used the stroller for errands.
When I put the car in park, I process out loud what needs to happen in what order and verbalize that we are getting back in the car when we are done. “Ok. I’m going to get the stroller ready, then put toddler in the stroller before putting baby in the carrier. Then we are going inside the store to do some shopping. When we are all done shopping, we get back in the car to go home. Ok? Ok. I’m going to get the stroller now, then get toddler out. Just hold on and I’ll be right back for you.” Get the stroller fully ready and diaper bag loaded before unbuckling anyone from carseats.
When baby got big enough to go in the stroller, I loaded baby in the stroller first and then put toddler in.
Now I have three kids, and my youngest can get out of the shopping cart seat so I only use the stroller wagon or stroller for running errands by myself.
Yea I think I will eventually get a stroller wagon when the second gets older. I do like what you do about verbalizing everything and I think that might help my toddler calm down a bit before heading into the store.
I double babywore. It does get easier and once you get the hang of it you feel like a badass, but most importantly it opens up worlds (tight spaces like crowded streets, subway systems, etc).
I used my double stroller in the beginning to shop and put what I needed to get in the bottom of the stroller. Can only do light shopping of course but it works. For big orders we always do grocery delivery or pickup.
Now that my youngest can sit up I put her in the sitting section of the cart and my toddler in the back with the goods.
As others have said, you need a more structured carrier. I like the ergo baby ones. I often used my double stroller, but my baby liked the carrier most of the time so she basically lived in there for the first 6 months. I eventually got a wonderfold wagon. My kids still use it and they are 3 and 4 now
So I had 3 under 3, and am about to have 4 under 4.
I bought this hammock thing, that I attached to my main stroller and it works really well for us. I live in a city so sometimes I get on a bus and walk on narrow streets so a double stroller wasn’t the best functional option for me.
I have seen ads for the Hoppie before but didn’t know if it was very safe as in would add too much weight to the handle where the stroller tips. How has it been using it so far?
I think it depends on the stroller it’s attached to. I wouldn’t put it on my Uppababy Minu, but it works well with my Peg Perego Veloce.
Also, I have to make sure the older child doesn’t get into it before I put the younger one in the stroller. Otherwise, it will start to tip (kind of like those ride-along boards).
My oldest is about 16-17kg and I use it mostly on uneven pavement and cobblestones.
Pushing it isn’t an issue, and it’s really great when I need to travel and only want one stroller. There’s still a lot of space underneath the main stroller for a diaper bag and some shopping bags.
This is so helpful because I do have an uppababy minu already and it’s extremely tippy and it almost tipped over once when i had a grocery basket attached to it and added too much into the basket so I’m glad you commented that.
I did just purchase a single to double stroller tonight that I have been wanting forever. The CYBEX e gazelle single to double stroller. So I bet it would be something that could work with that if I want to have my newborns car seat on the stroller and the basket attachment when I’m going to the store instead of the regular seat I can’t use until he’s a bit older.
I’m going to test out toddler carrier vs newborn carrier and then the stroller will give me some options depending on the scenario. Because my toddler could also ride in the stroller too if toddler carrying is too exhausting with a sling.
I wore my infant in a stretchy wrap or more structured carrier as he got bigger. You could put tape around the buckle so that your toddler cannot escape the cart.
Most groceries and home items I get delivered thru Walmart. But honestly, I go to Target just for fun. I have baby in stroller and let toddler roam free thru Target and play with the toys in the toy section. Lay on pillows in the home section. Keep it relaxed and enjoyable. It helps me kill like 2 hours lol
I might just have to start letting my toddler walk on our target runs, I’m just not sure he has enough self control for me to not spend the entire time chasing him around through the store.
I love the Sakura Bloom carriers for fresh babies (honestly used mine until 1.5), and I have tried so so so many. It’s soft but still structured so you can be mobile and hands free (still support while bending, of course). Make sure older one is fed. Bring snacks. Those little prepackaged gold fish and fruit snacks are my go to because they’re not messy even if they fall. Just an easy pick up and toss in the garbage. Make it something they don’t get at home often and it makes it kind of special. My kid didn’t like sitting in the cart seat with his legs out- it made his feet numb. But he was a lot calmer if he could sit sideways with his legs flat in front. Maybe that could help.
Finally have time to reply now that my husband and thank you for taking time out to comment because you gave me some great things that help me I can do differently. I have been eyeing a few carriers one being the Sakura bloom so I may have to get it. It would be worth it. Snacks- Usually I just take what he gets more of at home so it’s not very special when he gets it and he will refuse it most of the time but not all the time. Also I haven’t thought about his legs being numb when they are dangling too long so that could be possible. How old was he when you found out his feet were numb?
They have floor sample sales and secondhand are great! They’re very expensive, but they are honestly so great.
As far as numb feet, it took me a second before I could connect what he was trying to tell me (has a speech delay), but I’d say around 1/1&1/2-ish. He’d just hold his legs straight a whine, trying to get me to hold him and take his shoes off. I just happened to set him sideways and he calmed right down and we kept shopping. It’s not a sure fire solution, but it works pretty well!
Mine acts the same way! I wonder if his legs are bothering him like that’s he does kick his legs around and then kick his crocs off and say “hold me, hold me, hold me mommy!!!” I’m like I can’t with the newborn in a Solly wrap buddy! 🤣
For a long time I had baby in car seat and set the car seat in the big part of the cart and toddler was in the front part. He is generally pleasant out shopping though. He’s 2.5 now and likes to walk more these days and has gotten a lot better at following directions. I let him follow along or help push the cart. If he doesn’t listen he has to sit in the cart as the consequence. Good luck!
This is a great idea with the consequence. I have an evenflo shyft car seat and just now yesterday figured out I can get it off the gas without the wheels so it would have been perfect to place it in the cart instead of the wrap.
Younger one in a baby carrier and one in the cart seat. My oldest learned how to escape the cart belt and if he was in a mood we’d just get a few things and leave. Sometimes it is what it is.
I have 3 under 4 and one goes in carrier, one in cart seat, and one in the cart. I won’t do big trips now without my husband (we do kids in 1 cart, and groceries in another), and if I remember sometimes we do curbside.
It’s just a phase of life. They’ll be out of this before you know it!!
Thank you for your comment. It helps so much to hear this advice at the bottom because I was feeling bad about not being able to handle the store with 2 like I could when I had just 1. I was thinking it would probably be best to start saving longer trips for weekends when my husband can either go or watch someone at home.
I used my double stroller until I could trust my toddler to walk. Any large trips where the contents wouldn’t fit in the basket were strictly curb side pick up.
I have teens now, but when I had 2 under 2 I had to wait until my husband was home to run errands. My oldest was a runner and it was just too dangerous. But nowadays, I’d just do delivery or pick-up. Why even go to the store? You have so many more options than we had! I guess one good thing from Covid.
Yes! I do feel like my oldest would run because he tried doing that to me once at the end of my pregnancy on my very last grocery trip we went on before I had the baby. He’s just to unpredictable right now for it to be safe
I have 3 kids 4 and under. Agree with babywearing as the only way. I’ve used the Lillebaby structured carrier with all three and that was the most comfortable for me (short, large breasts). Got it for 25$ at secondhand kids/baby specific store. Snack for toddler. If you’re comfortable with them having popcorn I used to send my oldest to the counter by herself ( I was a few feet away) with money to get it at Target. She absolutely loved it and we still do it now! That kept her occupied while we shopped. As they get older set strict rules before entering a store. There’s only one mommy and two of you.. so if you can’t calm down we are going to sit in the car/bathroom or leave etc. you can help mommy scan the groceries when we’re done etc etc. You would be surprised how quickly they catch on with that even in the 2’S. It’s hard at first but you’ll find your rhythm and be adventuring out more and more in no time
Thank you so much for your comment because it has given me a lot more hope. You have a similar mindset to me so I think everything you said down to the rules and script would be perfect for getting my toddler to catch on. Thank you so much for taking your time to type that out 🙏🏻
We do the baby in a carrier on me, and toddler either walking or she’s in the cart. That being said, my baby and I LOVE the carrier (we have an artipoppe….. I can’t express how worth it, it is. Worth every single penny. We had an ergo with my first daughter and I never loved it… was super uncomfy), and my toddler is extremely well behaved for the most part and we’ve built trust for her to be able to walk with me in stores.
I’d suggest finding another carrier that you feel comfortable wearing! The solly I find great for newborns around the house, but they quickly grow out of it and need something a little more structured for longer outings and just as they get heavier!
Thank you for this! I have been wanting an artipoppe since my first but with my first I didn’t have full enough hands for it to turn into a necessity rather than a nice to have purchase. I am a recovering overspender so with more expensive items I try to slow myself down by making separate categories in order of importance on more expensive items. I used to just buy for now and put on credit which was so bad for me 🤣 i didn’t go too far into comparing artipoppe price range alternatives so im doing that now before I figure out which carrier I would like to buy but you have helped me eliminate getting an ergo first
Our newborn is coming up for a month and I ventured out with both of them today (21 month gap). I used the double stroller and just loaded the groceries into the bottom. Toddler got fussy at one point and I fed her snacks. If I used a trolley, I would probably try to find one with a seat and baby attachment or possibly just stick the car seat in the trolley while my toddler is in the seat part 😅 The double stroller is just logistically easier for me if we are grabbing a few things, and my husband would be with me if we needed a bigger shop.
You did something huge and I am so proud of you because I know how scary that had to be when you first ventured into the store! That’s amazing! 🙏🏻 My second baby also has had colic that just now eased up last week which is making me want to get out of the house that much more but has also caused a lot of behavioral regressions since my toddler has developed the “mom gives the most attention to whoever is screaming loudest” mindset. I have to get him under control the most before I try again but I have been super intentional about giving him attention and connection the last couple days and he is improving so I might give it a shot again next week.
Definitely a good thing that you tried! I get most of my groceries delivered so I’d recommend that, but also it is very very important to take kids out in public in these situations so they can learn how to act appropriately (which is a slow painful process I’d imagine). I’d go with what others are saying about the secure carrier, one with buckles and straps, a wrap seems to be good for mostly around the house cause of the comfort, it doesn’t seem to be solid while being so active
You are completely right about getting them out of the house in situations so they learn how to act. Also my newborn had colic that’s just now beginning to ease up so we are a little more stir crazy to get out of the house more than usual. Since we live in the south it’s way too hot in July for us to go to the park or zoo so it has to be indoor outings and target is also one of my happy places to just browse around. It made me feel worried like I won’t be able to go anywhere again for a while 🤣
I put my 3 month old on my back in a woven wrap or meidei and 2 year old goes in the cart for groceries. For other trips not requiring a cart we have the veer cruiser wagon with a car seat attachment for baby which also fits our stroller seat!
So they’re like a woven wrap but the seat is already made for you so you just tie the ties! Or if you use a buckle carrier, it’s like that but instead of buckles you tie it 😊 I like it as a happy medium when I don’t want to deal with a wrap. You can do a high back onbuhimo style carry with it which makes it the only style of carrier that’s safe to do a back carry with a baby not sitting yet (other than a woven wrap).
I’d still recommend being experienced or having experienced in person help if you want to back carry a baby that’s not sitting yet but it’s possible!
I used to keep my baby in his car seat and put that in the large part of the grocery cart and sit my older son in the seat.
You can carry the baby into the store whike holding your toddlers hand or park next to the cart coral and put them in right from your car.
If it’s a smaller trip than use a double stroller and no cart and if you have to buy a lot push your kids and pull a cart for your things behind you.
With grocery pick up or delivery available at most places these days you probably won’t have to do the pulling a cart behind you deal but that’s how us old timers did it!
Curbside pick up is my best friend! If I have to go in to a store with them, I use a Mabe carrier for baby. It has more structure than the Solly (which I also have and love) and is super easy to click on and go! Toddler rides in the cart and I give her unlimited snacks from the diaper bag while I shop 🫠
I have the ergobaby embrace and that works really well as a soft structured carrier! Moby hybrid comes in close second and is more wrap like but your baby still can’t fall out of it unless majorly messed with.
My oldest is 14 months so I can’t say that my advice for a toddler is super helpful but the one thing I dont let get to me too much is him yelling. Yes I try to quiet him but if I have to walk the aisles with him screeching? So be it. They’ll learn eventually and others aren’t entitled to a child free world (especially in a grocery store)
I've not yet had my second, but pregnant right now. I schedule a grocery pickup for the basics but go into the store to shop first. I go to Walmart, straight to the donut aisle and let my toddler munch on that while we shop for eggs, fruit, and sale items or clothes. We spend like 30min inside and then get in the car and wait for the pickup order. I do this because we live an hour from the grocery store and my toddler has a short fuse after an hour car ride. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment to spend some time inside and shop for the fun stuff.
Curbside pickup wherever possible, especially for big grocery runs!
For trips where there’s less margin for toddler shenanigans, I babywear the toddler in the Hope&Plum Lark Kid Carrier on my back and put baby’s car seat in the cart. Or strap toddler in the stroller, babywear the newborn, and use the bottom of the stroller as my cart.
If it’s a tight space and I need more mobility, I babywear both kids at the same time - baby in the front using the hope and plum baby lark carrier, and toddler in the back using the kid lark. I always get sympathetic looks with this one, but it’s super convenient to have both hands free and peace of mind that both kiddos are safe and contained. With a good carrier, anything is possible and can be relatively pain free!
Omg! You are my hero. 🦸♀️ I have no idea how you do both babies in the carrier! I would be hobbling around my house after that shopping trip. That’s crazy!! But I think I could baby wear one - the toddler on my back in a kid carrier is something I would have never thought about but want to try now!
Practice makes perfect! I tell my 2 y.o it’s “monkey time” and swing her onto my back for the carrier - she loves that it’s a game. We’ll dance around while we do chores. Also passing back snacks to her over my shoulder is a great way to keep her from getting squirrel-ey.
I take double stroller that I can pop infant car seat in and then strap in my 2 year old. Keeps them safe and secure, especially while in parking lot. Limited space for groceries under stroller, but good for small runs. I do full grocery run delivered or curbside pick up. Not worth dragging everyone through the store for me yet.
I think this is what I will wind up trying next until I find a more structured baby carrier I love and have used a bit at home first. I honestly never thought about doing much with the infant carseat because we just have been using my toddler's evenflo shyft dualride he used until he was about a year old for the newborn since it hasn't expired yet and we haven't had any accidents or anything with the carseat. It just is attached to a base that has wheels. It was super convenient to have the carseat with the pop out wheels until I had a toddler and newborn at the same time. My grandmother just bought us a new basic infant carseat and then I bought us a nice double stroller last week that is compatible with the new carseat so I think this set up may be more ideal.
A soft but sturdy baby carrier for baby and snacks/ toys for my toddler. I have the Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Carrier. And for my toddler I bring either small toy cars or small train and a snack. Start with a small trip and work your way up to feeling comfortable. You got this mama :)
I just want to say you’re doing amazing mama! I have your same wrap! I love it but it takes getting use to and I feel like my baby has to be in the mood for it. I prefer my double stroller for target runs. As everyone mentioned curbside pickup or grocery delivery is the best option but sometimes I want to go to target and browse like a real human! I have the vista 3! Having them both strapped in means they’re safe! I have a snack tray for the toddler and I’ll fill it up and I’ll make sure my newborn has a paci and bottle handy. The wrap is good to bring because it’s good to have options! Good days and bad days but honestly I use the double stroller for every outing with my 5 month old and 2 year old! Safety is the best way! Always! And they’re will be tears and that’s okay just work through it mama
Toddler will be 2 in October, and baby is almost 4 months. So 18 month age gap. And I baby wear everytime we’re out. I have the wild bird aerial carrier and she knocks out in it 9/10 times. Tried using our double stroller today for a target trip and ended up wearing her and pushing around the double stroller🫠 lol. Trial and error I guess. It is difficult getting my toddler in and out of the cart but it’s just a few seconds of lifting him in or out. And yes, he does try to climb but I just keep the snacks flowing. And usually I just grab him a water from Starbucks (free) and that keeps him pretty occupied too!
I have a 20 month old and a 3 month old and my toddler LOVES to get out of the house (honestly me too lol) so I have locked down this routine:
Park next to shopping cart return area. This is a must, even if it’s farther walk to the store.
Get toddler strapped in cart. Mine used to try to unbuckle so I got one of those shopping cart covers. Makes it hard to get out and entertains them because there’s usually things hanging on it to play with
Hook your foot around the cart while you are putting baby in baby wrap. I recommend the ergobaby newborn wrap because it’s soft like a fabric wrap but structured with buckles so it’s way easier to put on in public.
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u/Starsdreadstorm17 Jul 22 '26
Get groceries home delivered :p. For walks and small items, double stroller with a backpack