Taking Twins Grocery Shopping Without a Double Cart
I’ve never liked grocery shopping. Too many people, crowded parking lots, and I always forget something. Now throw 2 babies into the mix and it becomes even more stressful! I didn't bring my boys grocery shopping with me for about the first 6 months. I’d go during nap time while my husband or mother in law watched them. Once they got older and didn't need to be attached to my boobs 24/7 taking them places became easier. I tried to avoid taking them to the grocery store as long as possible, but eventually I had to. Thank God for Costco and their double carts. The boys love sitting in the carts and looking at everything and everyone.
Unfortunately I can’t buy everything at Costco. I don’t want bulk spaghetti sauce or cream of mushroom! I use those things rarely for a few recipes. Also we go through fruit like crazy and I need to get more weekly and don't want to stop at Costco that often. I need to go to a regular store for these things. I like Market Street. There’s 1 huge problem with Market Street and other stores like it. NO DOUBLE CARTS! A twin mom’s worst nightmare. (well 1 of many) So how do I get it done without struggling and looking silly pushing 2 carts??
- Double Stroller Storage is Key. Invest in a good double stroller with plenty of under storage. That will be the most important part in you decision of which stroller to buy. I use the Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller. It’s a big stroller but it’s perfect for our morning walks and trips to stores. Since my big items are bought at Costco, I can fit plenty in the under-cart of this stroller. As I walk through the store I just fill the bottom of the stroller. Just remember to keep eggs and bread up front to avoid breaking them! I sometimes get the eggs last and place them on the canopy.

2. Annoyingly Organized List. A list is obvious for many people. And if it’s not something you normally do I would highly consider it. You will have 2 little distractions so a list will help you remember everything. I’m not talking about just a list. I’m talking about an almost annoyingly detailed list. Know the layout of your store. I first make a list of everything I need. Usually write these things down throughout the week as I see they are needed. After that list is complete, figure out in what order you will tackle the store. For example I go: produce, baby items, breads, canned foods, refrigerated lunch meats, ethnic foods, chips and cookies, dairy, drinks. Doing my shopping in this order gives me a nice flow. I now take the items on my first list and organize them into a grouped list in the order I shop in the store.
For Example:
1st List: eggs, bananas, cookies, bread, pasta sauce.
Organized List: Bananas, bread, pasta sauce, cookies, eggs.
When I tell people this they look at me like I’m crazy or have OCD or something. But this is the only way I can ensure I won’t forget anything. Nothing is worse than getting to the end of the store and realizing you need to go all the way to the other side for an onion.
I like paper list. I guess I’m old school. But I always have a copy of my list on my phone. I forget my list more than half the time! But at least I always remember the boys. ;)

3. SNACKS! My boys love to eat. And snacks keep them entertained for a while. I love the food pouches. We really like the Plum Organics ones. I either bring my own or just grab one as I walk past the baby section. I save it until they start getting a little cranky. Then I open it and give it to them. That usually entertains them for the rest of the store. When I check out I just have the cashier scan the empty one. Other snacks that are easy and great are bananas and teething wafers.
4. Make time to stop for silly questions. Twins are some sort of spectacle. People love twins. They will stop to talk to you every time. I have never been anywhere without at least 1 person stopping. You’ll hear it all from “are they twins” to “I have grandtwins” Here are some of the most common things people say:
“Are they Twins?” “Are they identical?” “Oh you’ve got your hands full” “Double Trouble!”
and here are the ones I found ridiculous or invasive
“Are they yours?” “C-section right?” “Are they natural?” “Oh I would hate to be you”

Seriously I’ve heard all of these! Just be sure to plan a little extra time in your schedule for stopping to make small talk with people. Or just smile and scurry along. We’re twin moms! We pretty much do everything in a hurry! Plus, it gets old answering the same question 6 times in one aisle.
Grocery shopping with children is hard in general. With 2 kids the same age and no place to put them…now that feels impossible! But it is doable. You will need a lot of patience. Try to go at slow times, make sure your twins are fed, napped, and happy. Take out that big double stroller, your list, and those snacks! Prepare for the worst. As long as you expect things to go wrong you won’t get stressed when they do. And when nothing goes wrong you’ll feel like Supermom! Others who see you tackling the grocery store with twins will think you’re Supermom too! Because you are! Good luck mama!
Sarita
