One mommy:three kids:trip to Cosco

[Cumberland]

I am planning a major stock up at Cosco next weekend while DH is out of town. I am wondering how I can buy two months worth of diapers, two months worth of TP, etc and have room in the cart along with the three kids. Does anyone have some hot tips I can use while there?

That sounds like no fun with kids. Do you have a sitter you could call or a friend you could trade babysitting with?

Once I got away from taking the kids shopping with me (d/t preschool/school) I literally pitch a huge fit to have to take them with me. I would rather wipe my arse with newspaper than take all 3 kids to the grocery.

[poky]

I'd find someone to take care of them. If you absolutely can't, though, I'd figure out a way to wear the smallest, then the other two should fit in the part near the handle (depending on how big the kids are - I think the Costco carts have two kid seats in them, right?). At that point, you'll have room for the "stuff", too.

It's either that or two carts. Or maybe find a friend who also wants to go and is willing to help you out while you're there?

[alison]

During the week, when it isn't packed there, you might be able to get someone there to help you load a second cart and push it through the line. They're pretty helpful when it isn't busy.

Alison is right. Our Costco folks are super helpful.

[Ladybug]

Can you call ahead and have the large items pulled for you and waiting at front? Otherwise you might have to make multiple trips/checkouts to and from your car with the large items. Distract your kids with lollipops. Tell them if they behave the first run, they can have a lollipop the second run. Know the layout and have a precise plan of attack.

Good luck!

I miss Costco, BTW.

[MrsK]

Wow, my mom had 2 in diapers for about 4 years running (three of us born within 4 years). She used to take us every where with her -- grocery shopping, to the department stores, fancy resturants. We wouldn't have dared misbehave. Perhaps I should ask her how she did it?

Wow, my mom had 2 in diapers for about 4 years running (three of us born within 4 years). She used to take us every where with her -- grocery shopping, to the department stores, fancy resturants. We wouldn't have dared misbehave. Perhaps I should ask her how she did it?

My mom says the same thing about us when we were little. It isn't so much that they misbehave, its that it is hard to concentrate all that you need to get done with three kids who need your attention - a poopy diaper, a request for a drink, wondering when you'll be done - its normal behavior. My kids don't misbehave as a rule - but they are a distraction and shopping at Costco for all the things that Cumberland needs is a long time for kids to sit completely still, be quiet and not need anything from Mom.

[MrsK]

I hadn't thought about that. It will be a while before I'm mommy of three so I only remember it from a kids perspective. Those trips really did seem endless for us.

And she was largely worried about room in the cart for the stuff she wants to get. 2 in the seat up top, baby in carrier in the cart -- no room for cases of diapers and paper towels.

I like the earlier suggestion (Sandy, I think?) of wearing the tiniest. If she likes the carrier, that will free up your cart.

[Malpka]

I would wear the babe, put the other two in the front cart seats. Then go in and get the dipes/wipes/papergoods - FAST. Checkout and load the car. Run back in for the other part of trip. Bribe older children with promise of a frozen yogurt with berries from the Costco Cafe for cooperative behavior. Be sure to stock up on vino on the second trip in

[DCJenn]

I'd sooner slit my wrists than ever set foot in a Costco again so all I can say is "Holy Crap" at the thought.

I think I have PTSD from Costco at Christmas one year.

Jenn

[migirl]

I don't have any advice, I'm getting a headache just thinking about it (okay, not really ... I've had a headache all day ... ).

Anyway.

Want me to watch one or a couple of your kids while you go? Or come with you and push the other cart around? Seriously. Let me know if I can help!

[fluffhead]

I find taking my kids to costco so absolutely nerve-wracking - crazy people with enormous carts veering all over the place, especially when there's a free food station in the next aisle. I make them have one hand on my cart at all times, and the little ones stay in the cart.
Good luck!

[Phoebe]

I go there regularly with 3, but I don't have a newborn anymore. My older two walk and try to use the cart as a rollercoaster. It is a nightmare. I can offer commiseration. I forget things every trip.