Mummy's Survival Guide (Window Shopping With Toddler)

Mummy has finally conquered my fear of venturing far out with Matty alone. It has always been a daunting thought having to deal with a demanding baby all by myself outside the comfort of home. At least if it is in a familiar surrounding... things will be more manageable.

We decided to drop by Takashimaya last Saturday as Matty took a long nap at 7.30 in the morning for 3 whole hours... after he was up and about at an unearthly hour of 4.30 a.m.. Daddy was invited to a wedding luncheon at Meritus Mandarin that afternoon and so we took the opportunity to while away the afternoon in Orchard since the likelihood of Matty taking another nap in the afternoon is as remote as the sun rising from the west - in other words not going to happen at all!

Here are a few pointers on how to survive a shopping trip alone with a toddler in tow:

(1) Always stick to places where you are familiar with.

This is important because you basically don't have the luxury of looking for amenities like the washrooms, lifts and escalators at your own time and tide. You can easily plan your route when you know what is at where. As it is... it can be frustrating having to deal with a toddler, so you need to learn not to add on to the stress level unnecessarily.

Know where exactly the toy department is. It keeps your toddler occupied and happy. A happy baby has a happy mummy. Besides... you can take a breather while your toddler fiddles with all the buttons and switches... and it doesn't cost you a cent (unless of course if your toddler knows how to demand that you buy the gadget after the free trial).

For some energy boost... it is also vital for you to know where to get some quick-bite or a drink to fill yourself up. Don't expect to yourself to be a wonder-woman. It is no joke having to handle a food tray with a toddler both at the same time. Secondly, your toddler is not likely to have the patience to sit in the restaurant with you while you enjoy a meal... which explains why you often see one parent keeping the toddler entertained while the other one ferociously gobble up the food as though he or she hadn't had a drop of food for days. Fast-food is usually a good choice... unless if it is extremely packed and almost impossible to accommodate the stroller (if you had brought one along). Food like bread or pastry which allows you to eat while on the go is probably the most ideal.

(2) I love baby-friendly malls.

Let's face it! Not all places are suited for a fun-family outing. It is definitely no fun (or not funny) when you cannot find ramps for the stroller to breeze through or diaper changing stations when your baby soils his or her bum.

The best is still a shopping mall that has a clean and spacious nursing room readily available for a diaper change or milk-feed. Have always been sceptical of how sturdy those plastic diaper changing station we often see in public toilets. The thought of seeing your 12kg toddler come crashing down with the changing station isn't a very entertaining one. On top of that, you can hardly find any space to put your bag and necessities while changing your toddler.

(3) It Helps to Have a Smiling Baby on Hand.

Although it is a universal truth that babies suffer from mood swings like everyone does... nobody wants to acknowledge that fact and be close to a brawling brat. I have seen parents entering lifts with an inconsolable baby only to be greeted by other disapproving passengers who cannot wait to press the "door close" button on them. On the contrary... with a lovable baby, strangers are more than happy to open the door for you, hold the lift, help you with the stroller up and down the stairs. You can even get away when you accidentally bump your stroller into them (but remember to be gracious and apologise profusely as well).

(4) Freebies for Baby.

Freebies like balloons and flyers can come in useful when you need to keep your toddler entertained and busy for whatever reason... and most importantly it is FREE. .

(5) Fear is Self-Generated.

Like driving, venturing around with your toddler alone is only fearful because of own fear. Sometimes it helps not to think too much, worry too much and go with lots of guts.