Grocery shopping

So last week I tride going grocery shopping. Luckly I only needed a few things so it was fast and easy. This weekend however, I have to go shopping again. You know, the "big shop" for a big family. Im a one man show and have to take all the kids. Ella can is only three but can walk. Milo is 1.5 all boy and can not be let out of the cart. Then the twins both in car seats. So, I have to get three kids in the cart (with 2 car seats) and a stock of groceries. Plus, I have no help.

So, those with multi kids, how do you do it? How have you figured out the shopping thing. Do you have any good tips? We need to eat, so it must be done!

 

Thank you for posting this. I was wondering the same thing. We are together not having our DH home helping us but I have one less child then you who is 4 not 3. I admire u so much for being able to do it solo with 4 under the age of 3! I did go to target alone one day with all 3 of mine and luckily the twins slept the entire time. I only had to get a few things. I have not attempted grocery shopping yet since DH has been gone but I need to go soon! I wonder if you can ask a store employee to help out and walk with you pushing another cart? Just a thought that I was thinking about doing....sounds weird though prob.

 

QUOTE(Korey @ Jan 28 2009, 10:17 AM) [snapback]1165956[/snapback]
Thank you for posting this. I was wondering the same thing. We are together not having our DH home helping us but I have one less child then you who is 4 not 3. I admire u so much for being able to do it solo with 4 under the age of 3! I did go to target alone one day with all 3 of mine and luckily the twins slept the entire time. I only had to get a few things. I have not attempted grocery shopping yet since DH has been gone but I need to go soon! I wonder if you can ask a store employee to help out and walk with you pushing another cart? Just a thought that I was thinking about doing....sounds weird though prob.



Honestly, the thought also crossed my mind. I shop at Fred Meyer and their customer service is so good they might actually agree to it! We certainly are not the first to attempted such a task! Im hoping someone here has some good ideas. Otherwise, it might just be try, try, try!

 

I pull a cart while pushing the stroller. My main issue is that in the stores around here, the stroller doesn't fit in the regular lanes, so I have to go through the self-paid area. Which is not cool when I have lots of stuff!

So I just do the heavy shopping when dh is home and can take care of the kids. If it wasn't possible, I'd probably just have it delivered.

 

QUOTE(mollyjm+2 @ Jan 28 2009, 02:31 PM) [snapback]1165985[/snapback]
Honestly, the thought also crossed my mind. I shop at Fred Meyer and their customer service is so good they might actually agree to it! We certainly are not the first to attempted such a task! Im hoping someone here has some good ideas. Otherwise, it might just be try, try, try!



I am sure someone has had to ask for help before. Also, could your 9 yr old maybe push a second cart or a neighbor keep some of the kiddos for you?

 

I don't have that many children, but I have grocery shopped with both of my boys and my nieces (who are 4 and 2) by myself.

Put whichever baby is more content in the basket part of one cart and the other baby on the seat of the cart, pull another cart behind you with the toddler in the seat and the oldest can walk OR push a double stroller and pull the cart behind you with the toddler in the seat. It isn't fun, but it is doable when it is needed. Just be sure to go at a time when they store isn't super busy.

 

QUOTE(mollyjm+2 @ Jan 28 2009, 01:06 PM) [snapback]1165931[/snapback]
So last week I tride going grocery shopping. Luckly I only needed a few things so it was fast and easy. This weekend however, I have to go shopping again. You know, the "big shop" for a big family. Im a one man show and have to take all the kids. Ella can is only three but can walk. Milo is 1.5 all boy and can not be let out of the cart. Then the twins both in car seats. So, I have to get three kids in the cart (with 2 car seats) and a stock of groceries. Plus, I have no help.

So, those with multi kids, how do you do it? How have you figured out the shopping thing. Do you have any good tips? We need to eat, so it must be done!



I know some stores deliver, and you can even order over the phone or on-line - maybe find out if the stores around you would do that - might just make it easier for those really big shopping lists. Some might even be free if the list is big enough..

 

I would push the stroller and pull the cart with DD in it. Not fun, but doable.

 

QUOTE(Korey @ Jan 28 2009, 10:45 AM) [snapback]1166012[/snapback]
I am sure someone has had to ask for help before. Also, could your 9 yr old maybe push a second cart or a neighbor keep some of the kiddos for you?



When she is here yes. She is my step daughter. We have her a lot but not always and when we do have her I try and limit how much I use her. I don't want this to became a place of only work, I want her to also come to "get away" and enjoy the family here too.

 

Push and Poll! This is going to be funny! :lol:

Ill look into how much it would cost for home drop-off. Im a penny watcher so we'll see.

But if you can do so can I! (right!?)

 

I'm nervous about going grocery shopping with just 2....At the Trader Joe's here there are 2 (there may be more, but those are the ones I know of) ladies that always have employees help them shop. They don't mind helping (my DH is one of the managers there, and they want their customers to be happy!) There is another lady that I have seen several times putting her kids in one shopping cart and pulling another shopping cart with the groceries. My DH told me just the other day that a lady with twins in a stroller had gathered a basket full of stuff, and then left it somewhere so she could continue to bring groceries over to it (he did offer to help). This seems like it would be way more of a hassle, and take a long time. I say just ask for some help, I think it will be easier on you. Good luck!

 

I usually get my SIL to watch the twins and I take ds with me. If I can't get a sitter I just do my shopping online.

 

QUOTE(Natalochka @ Jan 28 2009, 12:08 PM) [snapback]1166151[/snapback]
I'm nervous about going grocery shopping with just 2....At the Trader Joe's here there are 2 (there may be more, but those are the ones I know of) ladies that always have employees help them shop. They don't mind helping (my DH is one of the managers there, and they want their customers to be happy!) There is another lady that I have seen several times putting her kids in one shopping cart and pulling another shopping cart with the groceries. My DH told me just the other day that a lady with twins in a stroller had gathered a basket full of stuff, and then left it somewhere so she could continue to bring groceries over to it (he did offer to help). This seems like it would be way more of a hassle, and take a long time. I say just ask for some help, I think it will be easier on you. Good luck!



I love shopping at TJ's. its about an hr away though... Glad to hear they help though!

 

1 if I go to walmart, I get a cart that has the seasts for big kids and put DS and 2.5yo DD in there then put one carseat in the top of the cart and carry the other baby in a sling.
2. If i go to Kroger I get a cart with the ride-in car in front for older kids and repeat the same thing with carseat and sling.

I have gone to a store without a fancy cart and it was tough. One of those toddler leashes would have been nice.

I must suggest that you make a very detailed list and arrange it strategically so that you are not going back and forth.

 

I just have the twins and I have one in the baby bjorn front carrier, and one in the carseat on the cart. I know a lot of grocery stores have that cart with the little car on it too. You could always have the older ones sit in that. I have also taken the stroller and dragged a cart too. It wasn't too bad. They were very helpful at the grocery store too. Just be prepared for the "my you have your hands full" comment.

 

Wow, I can't even imagine attempting that but you have to do what you have to do. I just have the 2 and I do the shopping alone, usually when they are in bed.

Can you have a couple of people come over for a few hours once a week so you can do your shopping? The break away for you would be nice also.

ANother option, I'd see if you can fax your grocery order, give your credit card # over the phone and let them know what time you will pick it up. I know some people that do that with Sam's Club here in my town. Maybe if you let them know how many kids you have with you, I'd think they would bring them out to you. You can give your credit card over the phone or something. With the economy hurting, you'd think businesses would go the extra mile.

Can you husband watch them once a week?

 

QUOTE(Bridgett @ Jan 28 2009, 02:13 PM) [snapback]1166359[/snapback]
Wow, I can't even imagine attempting that but you have to do what you have to do. I just have the 2 and I do the shopping alone, usually when they are in bed.

Can you have a couple of people come over for a few hours once a week so you can do your shopping? The break away for you would be nice also.

ANother option, I'd see if you can fax your grocery order, give your credit card # over the phone and let them know what time you will pick it up. I know some people that do that with Sam's Club here in my town. Maybe if you let them know how many kids you have with you, I'd think they would bring them out to you. You can give your credit card over the phone or something. With the economy hurting, you'd think businesses would go the extra mile.

Can you husband watch them once a week?



We are a militaty family and he just left for 6 months. Finding help, there really is no one available. From time to time it works out for my mom but she has health problems that prevent her from doing to much. I think I might look into delivery services or calling ahead. Otherwise, the pull and push seems to be what a lot of others are doing. I think things will also be easier once im totally over this c-section.

There have been some helpfull tips though, thanks all

 

QUOTE(mollyjm+2 @ Jan 28 2009, 04:22 PM) [snapback]1166377[/snapback]
We are a militaty family and he just left for 6 months. Finding help, there really is no one available. From time to time it works out for my mom but she has health problems that prevent her from doing to much. I think I might look into delivery services or calling ahead. Otherwise, the pull and push seems to be what a lot of others are doing. I think things will also be easier once im totally over this c-section.

There have been some helpfull tips though, thanks all

Are you close to a base or is he reserve? When DH was in the USMC, they had daycares on base that would take drop-ins for like $12/hr. You had to reserve a time slot, but it was very helpful.

 

I have pushed one cart and pulled another....you could put the 2 baby carriers in the 1 cart, put one of those hand baskets on the bottom, works good for bread, chips etc. pull another cart with the 2 older kids in it...put hand basket on bottom for stuff, Its amazing how much stuff you can squeeze in around baby carriers and on the bottom of cart...at check out have them bring another cart for grocerys and have them help you out. Thats how i'd do it in a pinch. OR plan B tell them you need to spend a lot of money today, can they help you..hth... happy shopping!

 

Here is my situation: 8 year old, 5 year old and twin 2 month olds also I baby sit a little girl during the day.

We love Walmart or our local gocier that has the cart extenders. Some are just benches on the fron and others are cool cars to sit in. Put my DD and the little girl I sit for in the benchor car lay the baby seats sideways over top of the cart and have DS help push.

Also I have used the Baby Bjorn to hold one and put one in the cart if it is a big shopping trip.

So if with 5 kids I can do it ....anyone can if you put your mind to it!

 

What about delievery?? Our Albertsons only charges 10.00 for delievery???

 

QUOTE(nicinthebu @ Jan 28 2009, 11:05 PM) [snapback]1167054[/snapback]
What about delievery?? Our Albertsons only charges 10.00 for delievery???



I didn't know albertsons does.

Safeway does your first one free, so this weekend when I can get 30 min Im going to try it out. I can't get everything we need there, but I can get a lot. I fugure if I do the bulk there then going to another store for the rest will be quicker and easeir.

 

I confess with two it is hard with that many I don't have a clue. I shop when the kids are a sleep most of the time early to sams and late to walmart. I usually can find some one during these times. No changing diapers just listening and watching them. Most are willing to do that any time. I will also confess thank god stores were open late for christmas other wise no one in our family would have gotten gifts plus the internet was a life saver.

 

So, everyone had great ideas and tips.

My game plan- Today I ordered from Safeway (first order is free of charge). Im not a huge Safeway fan, I find them to be more expensive then my other local store and they don't cary everything I like, but it works for now. I order big items like water, diapers, things that take up a lot of room in the cart. I also order basic things like shampoo, lunch food etc.

This weekend I will still go to another store for what I could not get at Safeway, but I should not be in the store for as long (bf babies every three hours I need to use my time wisely), and wont be pushing around 2 very heavy carts (still a bit sore from the c/s).

Shopping on line was easier then I thought it would be. It was also better in the fact that I did not impulse by. I did not like the fact that I could not use my coupons, but again this is a short plan. I also liked that my order will be here tomorrow and I could pick the time. Im having them come when my son is down for his nap and the babies shouldn't be eating.

Thanks all

 

OK - I have three children. The twins in a bucket/stroller and my son 5- pushes a cart for me when we need to do the big haul. Otherwise i out what i need in the stroller bottom storage .....works great I have a Kolcraft double tandem stroller. I love it it accomadates most carseats and then transitions to bucket seats. But has a huge underneath compartment, i can fit a fair amount of groceries with out ever disturbing my sleeping babies

Other wise I know the fred myers up here will allow you to ask for assistance. They help the blind and handicap get groceries, pretty sure they would help a mom with many LO's.

Another scenario.....twins in a stroller, 1.5 in a hiking back pack...I love mine I used it until my son was four, he was heavy tho 40 odd some pounds then. Or if you prefer a sling, baby pouch. for future use when you are feeling better and all headled up. Good Luck

 

If you have a twin stroller with toddler seat...... You could buy some of those recycle grocery bags (they are full strength fabric bags instead of using plastic) and attach them to the stroller with a "mountain climbing hook" They sell large ones here in Australia for baby strollers. This way when you are out at the mall you could pick up a few things at each visit. This is when I need milk, bread, eggs and not much else.

Look online for home diaper delivery in your area.....