Whew! Don't ask me what my hubby and I were thinking when we decided to take all three little ones (4 years old, 23 months old, and 16 days old) out to visit Great-Grandma and then to Dillons, Aldi, and Target for groceries. We're typically a little overly-ambitious and I think today was no different.
That said, we did make it through all four stops, plus a stop at Sonic for Happy Hour half-priced drinks. But I wouldn't say it was the smoothest outing ever. And I certainly don't think I'm quite ready to tackle three stores with three children all by myself–at least not until Silas gets a little better nursing schedule (he's currently nursing every two hours for 30-45 minutes–which adds up to a lot of time spent nursing!) and I'm a bit more back to my normal stamina and energy!
It's funny, though, how your perspective changes. I remember when taking one child out seemed like a big undertaking. Now that seems like a vacation! So, hopefully soon, juggling three little ones and coupon-shopping will be old hat. Maybe. 
At any rate, it was a fun adventure and we scored some pretty good deals. Here's what we ended up with:
All totaled, at Dillons, Aldi, and Target, we spent right at $31 for all of this! Of course, I did have $9 in Target gift cards that I used (earned from previous deals), so our total would have been $40 had it not been for those.
I was especially excited with the deals we snagged at Target:
All that pictured above was only $3.06 after the coupons and $9 in gift cards. Sweet!
After not grocery shopping myself for quite some time, I was happy to have a successful shopping trip–even if I haven't quite mastered the art of juggling three little ones, nursing every two hours, and my coupon box. I'm hoping I'll eventually get that all figured out… maybe?
What are your tricks and tips for shopping with multiple little ones? I'd love to hear!
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Hi Crystal. You snagged some sweet deals. I so wish we had a target! However, I have a question for you. You seem to consistently post your weekly shopping trips and I have not seen any dishwashing dtg. The kind for a dishwahing machine. Do you buy it? Do just have a huge stock pile of it? Do you make it? I was just curious. We have been having trouble getting our dishes clean with the off brand kind from Aldis. Last night I had to run out and buy $4 Cascade and it finally did the job right.
I just figured you might have some tips to share on how you manage that product.
Way to go! I’ve been reading this with interest, because I’m expecting babies #2 and #3 this summer (surprise, twins!) and then I’m going to have three kids under three for a little while.
I’m thinking I’ll mostly shop while their dad is home and take 1 twin (in a sling) and possibly their big sister along.
Great job! It does get easier. I’ve got 5 girls who are now 8, 7, 5, 3.5, and 2 next month. When the youngest was born, the oldest was 6.5! The first time I took all five of them out by myself, I swore I’d never, ever do it again! It was not fun, to say the least. But, it did get better. You’ll learn your kids’ schedules and find out when it the best time to run errands (for me it was, and usually still is, first thing in the morning, even though I am definitely not a morning person…my girls are all morning people). My sling and ergo have been lifesavers! And well, shopping at places like Harris Teeter that have cookies is nice too. They can sit in a “fun cart” (the carts with cars, etc that they can sit in and “drive”) and eat a cookie and they are in heaven and it allows me a little time to do some uninterrupted shopping
Like the 2 PP’s, I have 3: 5, 3, and 1.
I try avoid heavy shopping alone. I mean, I can do it but it’s not my favorite thing to do. I find that my mind isn’t as clear (wonder why? haha) so I miss deals sometimes.
Half the time I take hubby with me and the other half the time I shop with only some of the children.
If I have to take all three, I try to take snacks and a cup. Or promise them a little prize at the end. But mostly, I just try to avoid it if I’m hard core deal shopping.
PS My Silas was also an avid nurser. Wowza, that boy could think of nothing else. To be honest, he still can’t, and he’s 5.
I have a 5 and 7 y/o, and a 3-month old. It was a bit intimidating the first few times I took them out alone, but I learned to stick the baby in my wrap and he loved that, and my hands would still be free! Now that he’s on a good nursing schedule it’s a lot easier!
Seriously, how do you do it? I get frustrated all the time when I plan a trip (mostly based on the deals I see on your website and others) and then the store doesn’t carry those items or they are a totally different price. It stresses me out.
I have saved money on toothpaste, shampoo etc., but I want to get better at saving money on food. I have a lot of work to do. I really don’t know how you do it with 3 kids. It takes up so much of my time to plan my shopping trip and get my coupons together. I only have 2 kids and I feel like I can’t get it done.
I usually go with my 3.5 year old and leave my 1.5 year old at home. We usually go on Saturday mornings after our trip to the library. We get a car cart, and my son is allowed to take one library book into the grocery store with him to read. We took my 1.5 year old with us last week and two books was a big hard to for them. So, I let them share a free donut (our store allows each child under 12 a free donut).
We have four small kids, and the fact is I did everything I could to do the shopping ALONE. I’d ask the neighbor girls to babysit, or my parents or friends. Of course Dad stayed home with them too. We’ve also had all four napping in the car, and I’d run into the store while Dad stayed with the kids. We even considered having our groceries delivered!
I leave them home! LOL
My kids are 4, 6 & 8. They have never set foot in the grocery store unless I have less than 5 items to buy.
I agree with previous comments, it does get better. Someone told me that the 1st 100 days is the hardest. Looking back, I agree completely.
Good luck.
I love all the advice! We just had our third this winter and so I am new at shopping with three too! I felt like I was just getting comfortable shopping with two when the third one came:) I know a lot of people love to shop once their husbands get home but that has always been really hard for me for a few reasons: 1. the evenings are crazy 2. We really love to eat dinner together as a family 3. when we put the kids to bed I love to have that time with my husband and I feel like it’s my break after a long day too! All of that said, I get out once in a while by myself in the evenings especially when I go to Walgreens:) I’m trying to do the grocery shopping every two weeks but it’s been hard for me to make the transition from every week to every other week. It has gotten much better the last few months.
Oh, and I also print up a little picture list for the kids on card stock.(Nothing to complicated just simple and quick!) I put about 6-10 pictures on each card and they each get a crayon to mark off the item when we put it in the cart. They really feel like they are helping out and it gives them something to do.
Hope that helps. I know when I get home from our shopping day I always feel like I’ve run a marathon!
I have two kids, 3 1/2 and almost 2 years – my tip for you? Get the carts that have TWO SEATS to strap them in! My 3 year old doesn’t like it all that much, but he deals with it. Anything to keep them contained!
Good luck!
You are amazing!! I shop with one and we “shop the rim” due to a special Paleo diet. This makes our trip pretty quick. When he was tiny I used a Baby Bjorn. That made shopping so wonderful. Now that he can sit in the cart I try to make the trip interesting to him by talking to him about what I’m doing and smiling.
I have 4 – 5, 4, 2, 6 months – and I agree, try not to take tham all : ). If you need to, take them all in the morning right after Silas nurses and everyone has just eaten.
I usually go at odd hours when my hubby is home and I only take 1 with me. Another suggestion, since you have family close, is to make it a date night. My, how our standards change as the family grows : ). We have my mom come over after the oldest 3 are in bed for the night so it isn’t any work for her. Going on Saturday night has worked well because we can hit CVS and Walgreens every other week and get 2 weeks worth of deals. We bring the nursling and have a few hours of uninterrupted talk time. WONDERFUL. Oh, and we get our groceries : )!
I only have two children, ages 2 and 4, but what I find really really helpful is wearing my youngest on my back in a Mai Tei carrier. That leaves the front of the carriage free for my oldest to sit in, and then they are both contained.
I think shopping alone after hubby gets home works well, too- but my hubby works a lot and so when he’s home, I’d rather be spending time with him than going to the store. So, I do the shopping while he is at work.
Two words: Kids Cookie. This was my first trip with all three kids, but getting the cookie at the beginning of the trip and letting the kids hold them (or having me hold them) until the end of the trip and THEN having the cookies be awarded based on behavior tends to work out really well. Problem is the drugstores which have no cookies, but in the future I think I will have a carrot that’s available for those stores.
This was the ONLY time I have ever tackled 5 stores at in a row but we all agree to space it out over a few days from now on, my kids all have some level of sensory issues and the fact that I survived the day with no meltdowns was a miracle! I didn’t hit King Soopers yet, but when I do I’ll have the penny horse as a reward as well!
I have a three kids too. 6, 3 and 1. It doesn’t get easier. Best advice…go alone. I try to take them and I always spend more, lose coupons, miss the markdown at register or something! I am always WAY more stressed at the end too. This past week was by far the most stressful outing we have had. But it was the first time I have really gotten back into couponing and stacking deals since the baby was born! And I went alone, on a holiday weekend, during prime shopping hours! My mistake. If you must take all three, I highly recommend going mid week, and early morning.
I don’t have any children, but I well remember “the talk” before entering a grocery store. If we asked for something in the store and mom said no we had to look her in the eye and say “okay, mommy” so that we would get over it and wouldn’t grumble about it the whole trip! Kudos to all of you moms out there who juggle kids, shopping and coupons! I’m impressed!!
hi, we have 4 1/2 and 2 1/2. the containers from mentos work great for small pretzel sticks to snack on in a quick shopping outing. when the stores aren’t too busy is great also.
I rarely shop with my 21 month old triplets because it’s such a pain, but when I do…
I use our wagon instead of stuffing them all in a cart. There’s a lot less fighting this way. (I push the cart and pull the wagon.)
I always wheel them slowly past the deli counters where the cuties are routinely offered a piece of cheese or a cookie.
Crystal, I applaud you both for tackling your bargain hunting together. Since I have six children, I can say that the best advice I can give is to leave the two bigger ones home with dad or go as a family. When my 5th and 6th ones were tiny babies, I usually took an older child with me to help manage the cart and coupons. (My husband kept the others at home.) I also learned the fine art of nursing the baby in the sling while walking. On a typical shopping week now, I will take one or two children with me. We rotate who goes with me, so it is a treat for them and for me.
Another thought I have in your case might be to have one of your sisters go with you on big shopping trips, if you want to do it during the week when your husband is at work.
I have two children, ages 4 and 2. Really the 2 year old is the difficult one
. I’ve brought along handheld games for them (Leapster) also, they love to look at new books, so sometimes I pick up a childrens book off the shelf and they look at it while we are shopping, and we return them to the shelf when we are done.
I have 5 now but even when they were all little I would take them with me even with a nursing newborn I went to Walmart for a few things when he was 4 days old. It does get easier! What a trooper your husband is!! I always found it much more difficult to have him along then to just do it by myself with the children. I think there are only a few “windows” of opportunity during the day, after breakfast when they are full and after afternoon naps when they have had a snack. I used to nurse while walking around the store and no one was any wiser to it.
Congratulations on Silas! What a beautiful family you have!! Your doing a great job!!
I try to avoid shopping with all three (6, 4, 2) but I perfer doiing the shopping because my husband never remembers the coupons. ALWAYS bring snacks or “surprize toys”. We like to play “ready, set, go!” I send them up and down the asle I’m on, racing eachother. Of course I try to be aware of other people shopping and we have strict rules for the game. They have to remain in my sight or the game is over. I try to keep the 2 year old in the cart. But she always wants to play. I also try to brake up the trip by a stop just for them, the library, park, or special treat so they think we went out just for them. Giving them coupons to look on the shelves for the items helps keep them occupied too. Patience…..lots of it!
My children are 6, 3, and 7 mo. I have to admit, I don’t like giving snacks while we are shopping (they can learn to be content) and I don’t like letting them ride in special children carts. (I’m leary of germs-sorry!) When my youngest was a newborn, I would nurse him right in the parking lot before we went in. (Though I caused quite a stir in the Wal-Mart parking lot-long story!) Then I would have time to shop and get home before he would have to eat again. He also would sleep in his seat in the store. My other two children are very good help. I always take my children with me, it helps with learning how to behave in stores. I think it is as my sister always tells me. Moms do what they have to do! Please know that it does get easier. In the beginning, I have forgotten a few things here and there and forgot to use a coupon or two. But, each time you do a little better, get a little more organized, and don’t come home exhausted and needing a nap!
Congratulations on the new baby! My littlest just turned 2 and my oldest just turned 5. It is so hard to shop with both of them my little guy is a wild man with an attitude and is a big guy that likes to do what he wants including not riding in the cart. I do the best when I have Dad watch them and I take a late night trip or if we go to grandmas I make the run on my own. When I have the both of them I just do a small run but not the usual shopping trip because I just go crazy trying to do it!
I guess that didn’t help but congratulations again!
Kim
You’re awesome! Congratulations on having the “courage” to undertake such a great endeavor–shopping with 3. I’m pregnant with my second baby and am already wondering how I’ll do the grocery shopping with 2! Are you experiencing any extreme hunger due to nursing? When I was nursing my son I would get very very hungry. He was a marathon nurser as well–every 2 hours and for 30 to 45 minutes. How do you manage that with the girls? What are your favorite “snacks” right now?
I shopped Aldi for awhile…I could get in and out very very quickly.
When my 3 were the ages of your little ones, I put the older 2 into a toddler cart, the infant in the big part of the cart, and made several short outings throughout the week, rather than several stops in one big outing.
I have 7 children under 11 years old, and most of the time now am able to leave the majority of them home with my husband. Most weeks I only go out with the youngest (1 year old–still nursing some), and perhaps one of the older children if I so choose. However, I still sometimes need to go out with all 7 of the children. I pack water in a couple of water jugs in the van and some snacks for while we are out. I go over the rules–we stay together in the parking lots, holding hands (the 2 oldest each take responsiblity for one of the 3 year old twins, etc.), we keep together next to the cart(s) in the store, we need to listen to instructions, no going under clothing racks, etc. Our shopping trips take several hours, as I usually hit the consignment shop to sell clothing to make some money, sometimes Target, then Aldi’s, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. My children have learned over the years to have some patience while shopping, and although there are times I need to focus and regroup, considering what shopping entails, they have learned what is expected of them. Now, that does not mean that things are easy or smooth or not exhausting
, but you do learn how to make it work. A lot of times we have 2 carts–a 3 year old twin in the seat of each cart, and the 1 year old in the carseat over the back of one cart. It all works out!
CONGRATS again on your little one!!!
I was wondering how much you paid for the kraft cheese!
thanks!
My kids are spaced about like yours, I did it and it went well! I promise! I put baby (also Silas, btw) in a sling, toddler in the seat and preschooler walked. We did go through a time when it didn’t work and I needed to leave the kids at home. Now thery’re 8, 5 and 3 and it’s almost a breeze…almost
Oh, if you find yourself out with them and needing to nurse, go to the fitting rooms and ask for the big one. While I was never modest, it was great to have the bigger ones contained!!
My main grocery store (Giant Food) just started letting you carry around a little scanner and shopping bags around the store. You scan the item you’re buying, then stick it in a bag. At the end of the trip, the cash register knows all the stuff you’ve scanned and check out is super fast. I give my 2-yr-old son the scanner. He loves the random noises it makes and pushing the button. I still have fears of him accidentally scanning something when I don’t notice, but I haven’t seen that happen yet. We also haven’t blinded anyone with the scanner. It keeps him occupied though and makes check-out great.
The other thing I do with him in Target is that I’ll let him out for a couple of laps around the store. He’s pretty good about stopping when I need to look at something and we always take extra laps at the end. I get exercise keeping up, he gets to “run, run, run,” and we both stay mostly sane.
I’ve only got two though and am still trying to figure out how to fit groceries in the cart with the carrier in there. We’ve ended up wearing the baby a lot lately. That is, when I have to go with them in tow. Like others, I do my best to get my shopping in when hubs is watching them.
After having an only child for 11 years, we had 3 children in five years;) Most of the time, I took my childen with me–train them to hold onto the cart(older ones)while you have the baby in the cart. It also helped me to give a little job to the bigger ones they could help with–maybe hold the coupons or watch for a couple items they could get off the shelf. It does take a while, but soon your children will be such a blessing helping you in the store~now when I shop with my “children” who are now 14, 12, 10, they cut my time in the store so much I miss them when they’re not with me. And my 14 year old son is the best carry out boy around!
Keep at Crystal~it pays off:)
I remember shopping with the oldest (8) pushing a separate cart for food while I pushed a cart with baby & another in the cart, and two holding onto each side of the cart (5 girls). Later, I had a dear friend with 3 children who hated shopping. She watched mine & gave me her shopping order – so she babysat while I shopped for her food and mine. It worked out great! But now we live states away, so hubby babysits while I shop.
I usually do the shopping with my 4 yr, 2 yr and 9 month old. One tip I have is that our Target and Walmart both have large carts with added seats for toddlers. I strap my toddlers into the two todder seats and I put the baby in the baby seat of the cart. This way they’re all contained while we are shopping. My kids call these “train” carts, and we pretend we’re driving a train around the store.
I have four kids and know all too well how hard it can be to match coupons to sales when you have four little voices talking in your ear. It is possible thoug – just be prepared to spend a little more time in the store
Advice for shopping with multiple little ones: I shop with my 19 month old and 2 month old. I use a binder for my coupons and typically use a sling to put my 19 month old on my back and talk to my 2 month old in hiss carsesat as we go through the store. We also sometimies carry toys into the store to play with but one of the most entertaining things for my daughter is to borrow one of the stores books and let her look at it as we shop then put it back before wecheck out. She is very careful with the books and she stays entertained.
It will get easier as the older ones get older. They can still help so much at their ages! I have six children ages 6 months, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 years. I almost always have all of them with me when I go shopping or anywhere for that matter. It can be a challenge especially if you have lots of stores to go to. I let the older ones help with the shopping. I also make sure I take plenty of snacks which are eaten in the car. I have never made it a point to let my children eat at the store unless it is a sample or something of that nature. They know we do not eat anything we put into our buggy until we are in the van or at home. I also still nurse my 6 month old, which makes for a challenge as well. I usually have snacks and the older ones will read bookls to the younger ones while I feed the baby. If you can leave the children at home, that is great, but I do not have that option very often. If behavior is a problem, have pretend grocery trips at home in order to clarify behavior away from home. Let the older girls participate in the shopping. Since we homeschool, my older ones are required to do some math at the store. It usually involves calculating the cost of certain items or weighing produce etc. All of them are on the lookout for Manager’s Special tags or clearance items at any store we go to and they also always look for free samples. One of the most difficult parts with 6 children is where to put all of them! Usually, I can fit them into the Wal-Mart buggy which has the two seats in the front. WE pretty much fill up all the other buggies, so my 7 year old will usually push a buggy for the groceries while I push the one with the babies and my coupons! It is also not easy getting them all into the store either. Fortunately, my children are well behaved and well liked by all the cashiers and other employees of the stores we frequent. So, they are always giving them special treats. I also have lived in the same area all my life and know many of the employees personally which makes it easy if I need to leave the kids with someone for a minute while I go back to the car for something. Going to the bathroom poses challenges too. My oldest son who is 7 takes the boys in the men’s room and I take the girls in the women’s room. I am usually very exhausted when I come home from the store and make sure that I have something premade for supper! Hang in there! I am sure it will get easier for you overtime, you seem able to handle anything!
Crystal – I was wondering what you’re monthly budget for groceries are in terms of a percentage of your overall budget (i.e. not in dollars). I have been working on our budget for groceries, and since I live in an expensive part of the country (southern CA), I know the dollar amount will be different. I figure a way to equalize this is to just ask what your percentage is. As I’ve figured it, our grocery percentage is about 8% – 10% of our budget. I was wondering how this stacks up to yours (and others). Thanks for answering if you happen to have a second with your new baby!
Melissa
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