Shopping With A New Baby Doesn't Have To Be A Hassle
So, the holidays are here, and you, as a new mother
, are stressing about getting all of your holiday shopping done while still being attentive to your child's needs. The last thing that you want is to be cruising the mall and have your little one begin screaming and be caught unprepared.
First of all, you need to make sure that you are going to be comfortable. As the old saying goes, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." That means that you should wear comfy shoes and clothes that make you feel confident enough to be seen in public but will still allow you to feel relaxed as you (perhaps quite literally) run your errands.
Try to consolidate your shopping. If there is an all-purpose store close by, you can keep your eyes peeled before your trip for great bargains. That way, if you need to do some grocery shopping on top of choosing holiday gifts, you can get some of these things done simultaneously.
If you are nursing, you may want to bring nursing pads to prevent leaks from becoming visible on your blouse or tee-shirt. Along the same lines, it will be a good idea to determine which stores have a family restroom or a women's restroom with an attached lounge or mother's area.
Bring a nursing cover with you. Regardless of how you feel about others' level of discomfort with seeing a mother breastfeeding, having a cover will protect your and your baby's privacy plus create less tension if others are, in fact, bothered. This is the last time imaginable to face confrontation with someone who feels the need to impose their views.
With an infant, you might feel overwhelmed by the hassle of handling a stroller or carrier. These can be heavy and awkward, particularly as you are trying to maneuver through narrow aisles filled with merchandise.
That is why using a front baby carrier--which straps your little one securely to your chest--while shopping can reduce the discomfort and aggravation of hauling around a hefty stroller.
Of course, before you set foot in the mall, you will want to organize your diaper bag. Remove non-essentials, but be sure you are fully prepared for doing a "quick change," so that you can easily change your baby's diaper and move on.
Limit the number of toys. Instead of hauling along items to keep your baby entertained, stick to a pacifier and maybe a single plaything to keep them occupied.
Shopping for the holidays doesn't have to be a hassle, even with a new baby. Be prepared to make a quick exit if baby has a meltdown, but other than that, it can be a low-stress experience. Just be prepared, and then begin spreading holiday cheer!
by: Art Gib
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