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Mall Madness

Tackling Shopping With a Baby or Toddler

By Lisa A. Goldstein

's grasp," he says. "Shop for these items on your own time in the dead of night."

Shopping at a local market rather than a huge chain might make a difference, as the big ones have more of an arcade quality, Pinsky says. Shopping at such a market also betters the odds that your wayward tyke will be recognized and returned to you upon checkout, he adds.

If your toddler is running around and annoying other people, it's time to go, says Brott. "Home, if necessary, to a park if there's one nearby, or maybe just to a change of scenery," he says. "Pet stores, toy stores, construction sites, etc., are good diversions."

Kohl says to bring toys to occupy the toddler. Talking to your toddler ahead of time about helping you look for things when he gets tired of playing is another good strategy. "If you are going to get something, tell her if she stays seated in the cart and is able to be quiet in the store, she will get a treat or sticker afterwards," he says. "This isn't bribing. It's rewarding a planned behavior."

Keep an eye on your child at all times, as stores and public places aren't childproofed. Most importantly, don't schedule the trip during naptime – that's the surest way to guarantee a temper tantrum, says Brott.

"Think about what your plan is before leaving," he says. "If you're going to Home Depot where there's plenty of diversions, great. But if it's a trip that involves long stretches where a child would have to be quiet or well behaved, it might be better to reschedule. Above all, Dad should know his child's temperament, nap schedule, eating schedule [and] attention span."

Want to see more?

• Winning the Whining Wars: Words That Empower
• Public Scrutiny: Disciplining Your Toddler Outside the Home
• Baby Stuff: What Does the Baby Need?
• Talk about it!