Two under twos outing tips please!

[kate1996]

So I have a 20 month old toddler and a 7 week old baby, so far I've made outings loads easier by having baby in a sling and toddler in a pram whilst out so I can push the pram and carry the baby easily. I've got the busiest day ever tomorrow though doing Xmas shopping on my own with both children. Any tips on what can make the trip easier, any other two under twos mums on here with some parenting hacks. Is there anything I need to take with me to make things easier?

22 months between mine (now 1 and 3), here's what I did/ still do:

Plenty of snacks for toddler
If breastfeeding, practice feeding baby in sling on the go (life changing for me since toddler would scream in pram if stationary)
Would carry toddler in sling on my back and baby in pram if toddler was melting down and needed comfort/ closeness
Don't be afraid of giving toddler your phone for 5 mins if it helps keep the peace whilst changing/ feeding/ tending to baby
Scout out good places for pit stops/ changes - our John Lewis has a baby care area on the 3rd floor for example.
Equally, scout out safe places for toddler to be out and moving to break up pram time - our go to places are the central library, small gardens area in front of our city hall and The Entertainer!
Time the more tedious things with toddler's nap (if they will nap in pram)
Special toys that only live in the pram to fend off boredom when queuing/ paying etc

As baby got heavier in the sling I got a second hand double which I would highly recommend since I had somewhere I could strap them both in so I knew they were safe if I needed to go something and they (sometimes!) Entertain eachother for 2 mins.

Do it online? That'd be my preferred option!

Snacks! For toddler and for you.

Honestly if you’ve got the hang of sling + pushchair that’s the best hack of all. Baby will be content, toddler will hopefully be interested in Christmas lights etc., but also snacks and toys for bribery.

Take a bag which you can keep on the pushchair for purchases - if two handles then a backpack with one strap over each handle, if one large handle then something with a long strap that goes all the way over.

Thank you so much for the reply! I always take plenty of snacks for toddler but I will also 100 percent give the feeding in the sling a go. I never thought of that before so could be a lifesaver! We have an Entertainer in the shopping centre I'm going to so will be sure to let the toddler out there. I'm hoping it's not going to be super busy but I bet it will be with Christmas shoppers.

If you have a strappy type sling (I have an ergo baby) you just loosen the strap on one side to kind of bring baby's head closer to your boob and then lift up boob a little and adjust them on, I once made it up a soft play frame in such a fashion ha. Hopefully there will be enough twinkly lights and decorations around to keep toddler mesmerized!

Our eldest 2 are 18 months apart. I couldnt have a sling as have a bad shoulder so used a double buggy. If you can let the toddler out of the buggy (either reins or holding on to pram) then that tires them out about and stops them getting bored.
Telling them what is happening in simple terms a few times and then letting them know where up to in the trip is good.
let the toddler make some unimportant decisions (which lift? Which seat on the bus? This shop or this shop first etc).
work out what you want to do and be chuffed of you do half of it!

I do 95% of my shopping online and I'd really recommend it! I know some things need to be seen in person but it's honestly so much easier.

If you must go in person, I'd start as early as possible as it tends to be quieter. Find an activity for the toddler afterwards to let them burn off steam eg a soft play. Accept that you'll have to do everything at Supermarket Sweep speed so do the research online first (browse and make a shortlist) and just aim to check it's all OK and pay ASAP.

Will you have a car to bring stuff home or try to carry it?

Online, honestly. Otherwise early and take snacks.

Yeah sounds like you’ve got a good setup! Everyone being strapped in is my number one rule 🤣 things aren’t stressful if people are strapped in and you know the worst that can happen is some screaming and people giving you weird looks!
I have a buggy board, we have 2 years between them and I found that at exactly age 2 my toddler was for none of it but we used it again a few days ago (4 months later) and it was a hit. So I think if you’re going to go for a buggy board at all just hang off til nearer 2 and a half

Although, this 😂
I walked round the shops at the weekend (toddler screaming on the floor about nothing at one point) and literally went on my phone and ordered what I wanted