Shopping With Twins

Shopping with Twins can be a challenge.  It’s a challenge that changes as your twins grow from newborns to older babies to toddlers to preschoolers and so on.  Your weekly grocery shop will be an event in itself.

There are many practical obstacles to overcome but it is manageable as long as you plan in advance and if you can get a willing helper to tag along then even better!

You need to prepare yourself for plenty of interruptions in each aisle of the supermarket and at varying places along the street or mall.  Twins are a talking point and your babies will be admired and you will be faced with the same questions time and time again.

With newborn twins you will also know that you have a limited time to do your shop before one or both decides its time to scream for feeding and you may find yourself having to be firm with those who want to wish you well!

As your twins get older and the time slot in between feeds isn’t so much of an issue, your challenges will change.  You will be more concerned about keeping them happy and not screaming whilst sitting side by side in the double trolley. All children reach the stage where they don’t want to sit for too long in a shopping trolley particularly when they can walk.  Having two toddlers on the loose as well as a shopping trolley to manage and fill is practically impossible.

You will do better shopping in a shopping mall or shopping centre.  Most of the shops there will have large automatic doors enabling you to negotiate these shops with your large double buggy!  Smaller local high street shops are often not wide enough for entrance with your side by side transport.

If you are a stay at home parent but feel the need to get out of the house from time to time in search of adult conversation then keep shopping trips with your twins for when you only need to get a few bits and time isn’t of the essence.

It can be tiring lifting and shifting two babies to even participate in a shopping trip.  It takes double the time and energy to get out of the house to the car to the buggy or trolley and back to the car and back home again.  You can make it easier by treating it as a military operation and prepare well before the event.

TwinsTips on shopping with twins

  • Identify Supermarkets which have twin baby trolley’s readily available.
  • Make a Shopping List and stick to it particularly when your twins are young babies.
  • Have your large changing bag stocked with the things you need in case you are delayed.
  • If making a shopping trip locally just with double buggy then keep the shop short and limited to a couple of items. Pushing a double stroller loaded with two babies and shopping will keep you fit but don’t damage your back in the process!
  • Make sure you can negotiate the doorways and aisles of any local shops.  You’ll be surprised at the amount of smaller shops where you will struggle to get through the door with a side by side stroller.
  • Take a helper with you wherever possible but don’t be afraid to go out alone.
  • Take a supply of snacks for older baby twins or toddler twins.  This can usually buy you a bit more time to complete your mission.
  • Shop online.  It can be done at a time that suits you and in your pyjamas if necessary.  It’s far less stressful and you will be able to concentrate.

Practical Solutions for Getting Out and About With Twins