Easy Outings for New Moms: 4 Tips to Go Holiday Season Shopping With a Baby

With the holiday season approaching, you will surely have your shopping lists ready. Although online sprees sound more convenient, nothing matches the excitement of walking through the aisles and checking products in person. 

As inflation pinches consumer wallets, holiday season sales are expected to increase by 3.5% in 2023. Even at this rate, sales figures are projected to reach $1.54-1.56 trillion from November 2023 to January 2024.

In-store sales will likely witness a comeback this year as shoppers want to get over the pandemic e-commerce boom. You need more than enthusiasm to deal with the traffic in your favorite retail stores. Being ready for your shopping sprees this season requires planning and energy, even more, if you have a baby in tow.

We have a few actionable holiday season shopping tips to ensure easy outings for new moms. 

Create a Shopping List

You will probably know that sinking feeling of missing out on an important holiday cooking ingredient after spending hours in shopping mall queues. Most shoppers forget to buy gifts for someone, regardless of memorizing the lists. You are more likely to do it as a new mom with a hundred other things already on her plate.

The best way to overcome this challenge is by preparing a detailed shopping list beforehand. Besides helping you remember what you need, a list enables you to avoid aimlessly wandering through crowded aisles. You will be thankful for it when you have a stroller to navigate. Shopping lists also reduce the chances of impulsive buying, a risk most women deal with during the sales season. 

Choose the Right Time

According to a Forbes article, the 3rd quarter of 2022 witnessed massive physical retail spending, with 85% of total retail sales being in-store. Seasonal sales peak during the Thanksgiving weekend as millions of people go shopping. Besides crowded stores and malls, navigating the street traffic can be extra challenging with a little one as your companion. 

Google Maps’ insights predict the heaviest Thanksgiving traffic on Tuesday and Wednesday (21st and 22nd November) evenings in 2023. Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the regular rush-hour traffic will merge with Thanksgiving travelers. Consider staying off the road during these peak hours. 

Early mornings make an ideal time to go shopping with your baby. Consider managing the nap time and feeding schedules accordingly to ensure that the little one is happy throughout the excursion.

Pack Essentials

A shopping spree with an infant is easy if you have everything you need. The essentials include baby formula, diapers, wipes, a clothing change, a blanket, and the little one’s favorite toys. Although it seems like a lot of stuff, you will not regret carrying the essential items. 

Fortunately, stroller accessories like a diaper bag and an organizer can help you pack everything you need. The best part is that you can organize your stuff and ensure everything is easily accessible when you need it.

Lil & Mil notes that new moms can make their shopping sprees a lot easier by investing in these simple accessories. Look for one that fits your stroller brand, and you are all set for a shopping adventure with your baby. You don’t need to worry about carrying an extra bag or leaving your stuff at home.

Plan for Breaks

Babies can get cranky due to unexpected reasons. Crowded spaces, long hours in queues, and delays can make holiday shopping overwhelming for them. According to a survey, American shoppers spend nearly 37 billion hours each year queuing up. Imagine the pain of waiting even for a few hours when you have a little co-shopper accompanying you.

Respect your infant’s need for rest and plan for breaks in a comfortable and quiet space. Search for a shopper center with a designated area for nursing or diaper changing. Research your options beforehand to choose wisely and plan a stress-free experience.

You can even consider waiting here to let your baby take a short nap. Planning a shopping trip with your partner is a good idea as both of you can take turns to play with your little one outside the store. 

The Bottom Line

Holiday shopping shouldn’t be about browsing, clicking, and paying for gifts and essentials online. While e-commerce buying is convenient, it deprives you of the festive feel of the holidays. You should visit a store, explore aisles, and look at things closely, even if you have to take your baby along for shopping. 

Try these stress-free tips to make your buying spree a breeze, regardless of the crowds, long queues, and rush-hour traffic. With these tips, your little one will enjoy the experience as much as you do.