Shopping meltdowns!

PhantomPower

Please tell me I'm not alone in dealing with shopping meltdowns. Strap him in? Screammmm. Stop (or even slow down) the cart? Scream! Cry! Not let him chew/hold whatever I throw in the cart? End of the world kind of deal.

I thought I was going to be the one crying on the floor by the time we got out of the store tonight. Please share any tips/advice if you've found something helpful! 

DawnLilly

Yup. It's gotten better now though. DS is OBSESSED with apples so that is our first stop. Then he knaws on it the whole time. I buy two and tell the cashier to ring the unchewed one up twice. No body has seemed to have a problem with it. He doesn't go with me often, I mostly shop during my lunch at work. Or, if I have him we stop and get a new book first and that will keep him entertained as well. I think the seat hurts the back of his legs when they are through the holes so he sits on the seat sideways.

acbfreire

We usually do our shopping with DD in her stroller. He doesn't mind the shopping cart, but I rarely use it.
I avoid going close to nap time and make sure I have snacks, water, etc. If it is a longer shopping trip, I let her do something fun and tiring before (like going to a park).

acbfreire

I should add: tiring enough to get rid of the excess energy, but not exhausting!

Samiantha101

Um yeah, I avoid shopping with AJ like the plague, especially grocery shopping.

JessieCupcake

My DS always wants whatever I throw in the cart. I have in the past given him a banana and asked the cashier to ring up an extra. They were nice about it.

Honestly I just try to get out of there as quickly as I can. Or try to go without DS.

drbethc

DS loves going shopping. We actually go to the store daily and even costco weekly. DS is usually in the ergo on these trips and does well. Sometimes he will go in the cart but I usually have to pretend we are a train by making choo choo sounds.

emberlee3

I always bring a snack, water, and little toys and books in my purse for DD.  Timing is key.  Morning is best, shortly after breakfast.  She does beg for stuff I put in the cart.  I give her something to hold that she can't easily destroy.  Last shopping trip was hilarious because she was yelling "Hi!" to everyone, in a very aggressive way

jess9802

We went to Costco last month with my MIL and DS did not want to be put in the cart. He screamed so loudly that MIL, who was at the pharmacy, could hear him. I have been known to lean in really close to him and whisper "We don't scream in the store!" while putting my finger up to his lips. Gaaah. Other times I give him a pen from my purse and that makes him happy.

Mostly we wait until he's gone to bed and then we go to the store (my SS stays at home and listens for DS to wake up).

PhantomPower

Thanks for the tips/advice! I need to remember to bring more distractions with me. They will probably end up on the floor but it is worth a shot.

acbfreire

PhantomPower said:

Thanks for the tips/advice! I need to remember to bring more distractions with me. They will probably end up on the floor but it is worth a shot.

Target sells a toy strap with velcro. I use it a lot! It is 2 bucks and totally worth it.