Kaki Shopping

Embracing motherhood has been a truly eye-opening experience for me. Besides learning so many different things about caring for a baby, I also had to learn new or innovative ways to do the regular things I love. Of course, it goes without saying that I adore shopping, and since I am unwilling to give up this luxury, here are 10 tips I have learnt throughout the *almost* two years that I have earned the tag of shopaholic mommy; tips that I would like to share which made my shopping experience a not-so-stressful one. And if you’re not yet a mommy, it never hurts to have that extra bit of information now, does it?

1. Make a list
With a baby/toddler in tow, it’s not advisable to go back and forth if you forget to buy something. So play it safe and make a list (check it twice if you must).

2. Know your way around
If you are shopping at a really huge mall, make sure you plan your route in advance. To do this, you must already know your way around the mall pretty well. Shop for stuff at one end of the mall first and then gradually move to the other end. You don’t get burned out so easily that way.

3. Do your homework
If the store you are visiting has an online store or website, do some surfing around at home before you actually hit the mall. You’ll save a lot of time when you know exactly what they have in the store versus hunting high and low for a particular color or style which they don’t carry anyway.

4. Be flexible
If your tot wants to explore the fitting room together with you, allow that. Trust me, I speak from experience. Better for you to get to try on that gorgeous dress (never mind that he prefers being cramped up in the fitting room with you smiling cheekily at himself in the mirror) than to drag a screaming toddler around in the mall.

5. Be a moomie
Breastfeeding allows you more leeway in what you can bring to the mall. You don’t have to carry an extra bag of bottles, hot water and milk powder. And anytime your baby is hungry, just pop by the nearest breastfeeding room and do your deed. Major departmental stores should all have a baby/breastfeeding room available in the babies’ department. Choose these over the general diaper changing rooms adjacent to the mall toilets for the sake of hygiene and comfort. It is also beneficial to invest in a nursing coverall or to wear a nursing top for moments when you simply cannot find a private area to nurse.

6. Go flat
Running around with a toddler in the mall calls for comfort and kindness to your feet. Choose flat sandals or sneakers that allow you mobility without compromising your style. Slip-ons are fabulous if you intend to shop for shoes. Wearing stilettos is a complete no-no when you are out shopping with a baby.

7. Stroll, sling or harness
If your baby/toddler allows it, use a stroller or baby sling so that your hands are free. Alternatively, a baby harness would also help to keep your kid in full view. Unfortunately I don’t have experience in this arena because I allow my son to run freely. SIGH.

8. I need someone
Try to get someone to accompany you on your shopping spree. Be it your spouse, sibling or parent, it never hurts to have an additional pair of hands for moments when your tot decides to go up and down the escalators just as you are paying the bill. Also, that additional pair of hands would definitely come in handy with the loot you would cart away when you are done shopping.

9. Organize
Keep your purse, cards, keys and whatnot organized in your handbag. Make sure you know where to get them when you need them. Organize your baby bag too and make sure you have an extra change of diapers ready, together with his drink bottle and light snacks if necessary.

10. Stay connected
A cellphone is definitely a necessity and if you are out shopping with a tot on your own, make sure you have your cellphone with you, with enough battery to last the entire shopping trip. You never know when an emergency might crop up and you need to use the cellphone.

Happy shopping, everyone!