Saturday, July 7, 2012

How I Did It: Grocery Shopping With Twin Babies

The following post contains affiliate links for 3rd party products or services I feel may be helpful for readers. I may make a small commission if a purchase is made using one of these links.


Five years ago when I brought my two little bundles home from the hospital, survival was key. My husband cooked a lot, did a lot of the grocery shopping, and if I needed something he would swing by the store after work.

One day it occurred to me that I would eventually need to leave the house by myself with the girls. I know there are some twinmamas out there that busted out of the house the first chance they got with their little two-pack, but not me. I was scared out of my mind about taking two little ones out on my own.

I finally got the courage to step out into the sunlight with Peanut and Jelly Bean when I had to go to the store and no one could help me. They were still little babies and I was still toting them around in their infant car seats. Unable to hold up their heads much less the rest of their bodies, putting them in the front part of a shopping cart wasn't going to happen.

In a frantic search for motherly twin wisdom, I searched the internet for ideas on how to do this and not look like a complete crazy woman. Here are some ideas on how to keep your twins in tow while you grocery shop:

Take your double stroller: Use your stroller to push the babies while you hold one of the small shopping baskets for small trips. For large trips, drag a shopping cart  behind you while you push the stroller. (Drag by holding from the front of the cart so you have control as the wheels swivel.) A rolling shopping tote pulled behind you like the Olympia Rolling Printed Shopper Tote is a great option for those medium sized trips to the store.

Use two carts: Put one infant car seat in each shopping cart. Please note that I didn't say to put them on the top part of the child seat section of the shopping cart. Car seats and shopping carts are not designed to work together. Put them inside the cart. Yes, this takes up a good portion of the cart. Deal with it. Baby's safety is more important. Pull on cart behind you by the front of the cart while you push the other cart.

Carry one or both babies: Utilize the help of an infant carrier like the Infantino Sash Mei Tai Carrier so you can wear one baby while you keep the other in the shopping cart. Use one cart for small trips (since the shopping cart portion is full with the other infant carrier) or drag a second cart to fill up. Rather carry both babies? The Stuff 4 Multiples TwinTrexx Twin Baby Carrier is a great way to hold both of your babies and relieve your arms.

Team up with your partner: If going solo isn't for you yet, why not split up the grocery shopping duties with your spouse or partner? Head to the store with two shopping lists, separate with your assigned baby, and agree to meet back at a certain place when finished. Shopping gets done faster and you only have one wee tot to worry about.

Go solo: Hey, who says you have to take the kids? Have your spouse or a trusted babysitter watch the little angels and enjoy a peaceful hour or two by yourself. (Take your time for crying out loud!)

However you decide to do your grocery shopping, you cannot go wrong as long as your little ones are safe and secure.

This post contains affiliate links for 3rd party products or services I feel may be helpful for readers. I may make a small commission if a purchase is made using one of these links.