How to Shop With a Toddler (Without Losing Your Mind)

Doing the grocery shop with a toddler in tow? That’s not just an errand—it’s an adventure with a high risk of chaos. Between the bright lights, tempting displays (we see you, biscuit aisle), and your tot’s boundless energy, it’s no surprise shopping trips often end in tears—yours and theirs.
The good news? With a few simple strategies, wrangling your toddler at the shops doesn’t have to feel like herding cats. In fact, it can even be...dare we say, fun. Here’s your guide to turning supermarket mayhem into a (mostly) smooth outing.
Give your toddler a heads-up
Before you leave home, let your little one know what’s on the agenda. Toddlers thrive on predictability and loathe surprises. Offer a simple rundown: “We’re heading to Woolies to grab apples and cereal. It’ll be quick, and then we’ll pop by the playground!”
Use the Fast-Food Rule
When your toddler starts whining for biscuits before you’ve even reached the fruit and veg section, reflect their feelings first. That’s Dr. Harvey Karp’s Fast-Food Rule: echo their emotions before stating your point. “You want biscuits! You LOVE biscuits! But first we’re getting veggies, then biscuits when we get home.”
Speak Toddler-ese
Got a grumpy gremlin on your hands? Try using Toddler-ese: short phrases, repetition, and a tone that matches their feelings. “You want it! You want it now!” helps toddlers feel heard—and more likely to cooperate.
Give them a job
Toddlers love being little helpers! Ask them to “find the red apples” or “hold the cereal box.” Giving them a task helps keep their hands (and minds) busy.
Set clear expectations with “when...then”
Skip the vague promises and use “when…then” phrases instead: “When we finish shopping, then we’ll listen to your favourite song in the car.” It sets boundaries and gives your child something to look forward to.
Keep it short and sweet
A marathon shop at Aldi or Coles isn’t toddler-friendly. If possible, keep your list tight and go during your child’s “happy hour” (usually mid-morning, after brekkie and before nap).
Bring snacks
Shopping on an empty stomach? Rookie mistake. Pack a toddler-friendly snack like apple slices or a few rice cakes to keep those hanger meltdowns at bay.
Praise the good stuff
Caught your kid staying close to the trolley? Let them know! “You’re walking so nicely next to me—great job!” Praise builds confidence and cooperation. Want to up the ante? Try gossiping—whispering praise to Grandma, their teddy, or the checkout person: “Wow, Sam was so patient while we did the shopping today!” Read more praise tricks here.
Know when to call it
Some days, the wheels just fall off—and that’s okay. If your toddler’s tired, teary, or just over it, it’s totally fine to bail and try again later.
Consider click-and-collect
Lots of Aussie supermarkets offer free click-and-collect—no wrangling required! Bonus: You’re less likely to impulse-buy that second pack of Tim Tams.
More Toddler Tips:
- Public Toddler Meltdowns—How to Not Panic in the Streets
- How to Stop—and Prevent!—Toddler Defiance
- When Do Toddlers Learn to Share?
- Should I Expect My Toddler to Apologise?
View more posts tagged, behaviour & development
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