This shopping with a toddler post is sponsored by Maxi Cosi, but all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for helping me to support the brands I love.
Yep, I did it. I took Leighton shopping on Black Friday. We have actually done this 4 years in a row now, the first time being when she was only a month old. It has kind of become our tradition. Each year certain things about shopping with a toddler get easier, and then others just get harder. That’s the thing about motherhood though. As soon as you think you might possibly have some of it figured out, it changes. So, I thought I’d share with you the 5 tips I’ve learned for shopping with a toddler in tow. = )
1.) Always pack snacks. Even if the mall has a food court or 500 restaurants on site. Pack some snacks. Trust me. Shopping while hangry isn’t fun for anyone, especially a toddler.
2.) Make sure you stop by a store or restaurant that your toddler loves too. Nobody and I repeat nobody likes to shop when they get nothing out of it. It is already hard enough to hold a toddler’s attention. But when you are going to stores that don’t interest them one bit, they’re not going to be happy. Stop by Great American Cookie, Build a Bear or even Toys “R” Us, but make sure the trip isn’t just for you.
3.) Go shopping with a toddler first thing in the morning. Let them eat breakfast and then go. This is usually their happiest time of the day. If you wait too long, they will be worn out and will be ready for nap time. And after dealing with a fussy toddler, you might be ready for nap time too. = )
4.) Pack a couple toys and pull them out when you really need them. I usually try to pack something different that Leighton doesn’t play with often. Something that isn’t too messy, doesn’t require too much work and you won’t be upset if it gets dropped or lost in the store 57 times. We like silly putty or baby dolls.
5.) Pack the stroller! I don’t care if Leighton is 3, we still use the stroller on all our shopping trips. If not, it will take us 3 hours just to get in and out of 1 store, and nobody has time for that haha! Leighton still loves her stroller, and it is SO convenient to have when traveling and shopping!
We have had the Rachel Zoe x Quinny Mood Special Edition Stroller for 2 years now, and it is hands down my favorite all around stroller! I wish we would have known about it when Leighton was first born. It rides so smooth, is plush and soft, sleek with it’s leather details, has a large basket, has an adjustable height handle, and the seat can face either direction and also recline back. This stroller easily grows with your child.
We also have the Rachel Zoe x Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat. The car seat has the same great details that the stroller has. It is so soft and plush. It has a built in cupholder. And it is safe for your little one and will fit your child up to 85 lbs. I am so excited to be teaming up with Maxi Cosi and Quinny to give away either the car seat or the stroller to one lucky reader! To enter, just use the widget below and good luck! Which would you want to win? What are your best tips when shopping with a toddler?
If I win I’d like the stroller.
I love the rachel zoe stroller! So pretty!
Such a hard choice but I would probably choose the stroller!
I like the baby infant car seat.
I would choose the stroller.
She is getting so big and snacks really do sound key!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
I would choose the stroller to stroll my little girl in style.
I would pick the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
I LOVE that stroller! My son is just 2 and this looks so much more developmentally attuned to a big kid who wants to interact with his world.
I’d choose the Rachel Zoe x Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat. It’s both fashionable and functional.
I love the car seat. My little one is just big enough that he’s needing a larger car seat and this would be very welcome.
Both are gorgeous. I’d get the car seat. Love that it has a cup holder.
Hi, is definitely pick the car seat, it’s a great seat with nice high top harness slots to fit tall kids.
I just wanted to check and see if you still have it installed as shown in your pic, though, because the LATCH strap is routed through the rear facing belt path and needs to be through the forward facing belt path. Seats shipped after May 2017 came with the LATCH strap pre-routed in the rear facing path. It always needs to be in the belt path closest to the rear of the vehicle seat.
It’s so cool you got to review these! Not a seat there’s many reviews on it seems. Thank you.
I got it fixed asap after we installed it in my new vehicle. Thank you SO much for the input! = )
Love both items. I also love her diaper bag! I would get the car seat.
I would get a car seat for my kiddo! She is almost 4 and I would love a great new seat for our new car. Thank you for the chance!
Okay first your little lady is just getting more and more beautiful as she grows up. Great tips because it is so tricky shopping with a little one! Big fan of Maxi Cosi and their collab with Rachel Zoe! So chic!
If I won I would totally choose the Quinny stroller so we could look as classy as you when we’re around town!
If I won, I’d love the car seat! Both pieces are amazing though.
I would like to win the stroller. Great post!
We’re expecting number 7! Either would be a huge blessing but we NEED a car seat!
These are such great tips! Thanks for sharing! The carseat and stroller both look like amazing products!
I love them both but I would probably choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
Love their strollers and carseats!
I love the stroller! I need this for my daughter!
I would definitely choose the Rachel Zoe Maxi Cosi Convertible Car Seat! I feel like it’s so hard to find a car seat that I like!
Great tips! I definitely agree with early in the morning. Best time for toddlers (and babies!)! I’d probably pick the Moodd Stroller because it looks like it would maneuver so well in tight spaces & of course it’s gorgeous!!
I would definitely pick the carseat!
I would choose the Quinny Moodd stroller. Thank you so much!
If I won, I would choose the Car Seat.
If I won, I would choose the stroller. It would me to get more active outdoors.
I would absolutely choose the stroller and rock it everyday!
She just sooo adorable! And oh wow, that’s quite a generous giveaway.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
If I won I’d choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller
I’d go for the Moodd Stroller! ????❤️
I would pick the stroller. It looks so fun and my toddler would definitely enjoy it!
I would love to win the stroller! Thanks
Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller
I would really love to have the Quinny Moodd stroller! It would be a blessing to have with my grandchildren. I watch them daily and the one I use is from a 2nd hand store. I thought it was fine and pushed ok. But that was before I put any weight in it.. This would be so nice and wouldn’t put all of the pressure on my spine when we would go for our daily walks! Loving it!
The Stroller!
I would take the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe Stroller
I would choose the stroller. I run everyday and this would be perfect for me to take my daughter along with me.
Super hard choice since we need both but I think the car seat is more of an urgent need.
I would choose the stroller! It’s beautiful!
If I won, I would totally choose the QUinny Moood Stroller!! I would LOVE a decent stroller to tote my babies around in!
if i win i would choose the Rachel Zoe x Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat. i love the features!
These are both awesome but I live the stroller!
I would choose the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller, very nice.
The Quinny Moodd Zoe Stroller would be a fabulous gift for my niece.
Both are lovely pieces – I really like the design and safety features of the Maxi Cosi car seat.
We would love to win the stroller and get a new set of wheels. My toddler loves to go shopping but he’s only 2 so he gets tired and needs a place to rest his legs. And he likes being pushed around to and people watch.
Excellent advice about going right after breakfast and not waiting too long! That’s when they are the happiest. And yes to bringing lots of snacks and some toys!!
I’d love the Rachel Zoe X Quinny Mood special edition stroller. I’ve never heard of it but it looks so nice and much fancier than our bargain stroller!
Nice and pratical!
If i won, i would choose the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller
If I win, I choose the stroller for my soon to arrive granddaughter. 🙂
Either of these would keep my new grandson safe and mom and dad happy!
I would choose the carseat. I have another little one on the way , so this would be Awesome! Thanks for the chance!
the carseat is super nice and would be really useful
Zoe Stroller
I would love to have the stroller for our new baby due in July!
These are great tips. I’m usually late out the door for everything! I think any of our outings would be easier if we made the attempt earlier. Definitely going to work on that and give these tips a try. I would choose the stroller if I won.
I would choose the carseat
I would choose the stroller if I won.
If I were to win, I would love the car seat! How awesome of a giveaway!
I’d choose the car seat, thanks for the great giveaway!
I would have to go with the stroller!
Definitely the car seat! I have been dying to get it for my son!!!
I would want the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller, if I were lucky enough to win.
Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller
The stroller is beautiful!
I would choose the stroller.
Both are “to die for,” but I would choose the stroller!
the car seat
I’d choose the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller.
The stroller for me.
Never go to Disney with out one!
The car seat.
I gotta go with the stroller it would help s get around better …
I would choose the stroller. ????
I would love to have the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller.
the car seat
I would choose the Maxi Cosi Rachel Zoe car seat for my granddaughter.
They’re both great, so it’s a difficult choice. I would probably choose the stroller.
I’ve got my eye on the ZOE.
I would choose the Rachel Zoe stroller to use for my grandaughter
I’d choose the Rachel Zoe x Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat
I would love the Rachel Zoe stroller!
Stroller
I love them both but I would choose the car seat because that is what I need the most
What a neat stroller
Would love to win!
I would pick the car seat. My advice would be to bring snacks.
I would love to win this stroller! What amazing detail and functionality!
I would choose the car seat.
If I were to win this giveaway I would pick the Rachel Zoe stroller! It’s amazing!
I would love to have that awesome car seat. They both are so amazing!
The car seat would be fantastic! My daughter is growing and we love our little adventures.
I would choose the stroller but both would be a great prize
Just had #2 in nov this would be amazing, also have an almost 3 yr old!
I would choose the stroller, it is so trendy and cute! Also looks light weight, perfect for the city! Thanks!
Also i’d choose the stroller (Already got a carseat lol)
could use this soon hopefully
could use in 9 months
I would pick the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller!
The stroller would be perfect…..New grandbaby on the way!! Yay!!!
I would love the stroller!
The stroller
I would love to have the stroller
I love the stroller!
I would choose the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller.
Would chose the stroller.
I would choose the stroller, so nice!
Tough choice but I think I would choose the stroller!
If I won I would choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
the car seat would be helpful when visiting the grandkids
I would choose the stroller
I would pick the Quinny Moodd Stroller! It looks so sturdy and comfy!
I would choose the Maxi Cosi.
i would probably choose the stroller
The stroller looks amazing. That would be my choice it I won!
I am in LOVE with the stroller!
I would choose the Maxi Cosi Rachel Zoe car seat.
this prize would be perfect for my new great grand son!
I would love the stroller, but with baby 3 on the way, we are in need of another car seat…so I would pick the car seat.
If I won I would chose the Moodd Stroller
I’d love to have both, but for now, I need the car seat!
OMG both are amazing, I’d have to pick that stroller <3
I would choose the stroller.
I would chose the Maxi Cosi
I’d go with the stroller!
I would love the car seat
I would choose the stroller for my granddaughter.
I would love the stroller !
I’d pick that great stroller. Thanks for offering this!
I would choose the carseat!! I feel like I’m always moving mine from car to car!!
So hard to choose!!!! I think I would choose the stroller. It’s pretty awesome!
Great tips!
I would love the stroller.
Stroller.
I’d pick the Quinny stroller!
I would choose stroller! I love it!
I would choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller! Thank you for the chance to win one of these amazing prizes!!
The stroller!
Love http://www.maxi-cosi.com/us-en/car-seats/.aspx
I’d love to win the stroller! It is so pretty and convenient. I also take my 3yo shopping with me and am with you about the snacks as well as visiting some stores that he likes too.it makes all the difference. He will stay in the stroller during the shopping trip too. I don’t know what I’d do if he didn’t
i’d have to take the car seat as priority
The stroller for sure ! I love the design and i walk so much that it would be absolutely perfect for baby and me !
I would choose the carseat.
I would choose the Stroller.
Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller for sure
The stroller! I am a new grandma, and I would love to use this stroller!!
If I won I would definitely choose the Rachel Zoe x Quinny Stroller!
I would choose the stroller. My daughter would love this.
I want both but would pick the Maxi Cosi Rachel Zoe car seat so we had one in Grandad’s car
Rachel zoe stroller
Wow, they are both stunning! I would pick the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller, it looks so nice and fancy! ♥
The stroller!
would be great for the new grandbaby in Aug of 2018
I would choose the carseat because I am needing one for my 2nd child! 🙂
I would chose the car seat
I would choose the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller
This would be perfect for my new grandson on the way
If I won, I would choose the car seat.
Zoe, please.
I would choose the stroller.
I would choose the car seat.
My wife is due July 13. 2018. i’ll just leave that here
I would choose the Maxi Cosi Rachel Zoe car seat– I love it and we could really use it!!
We could use the stroller
I would pick the stroller if I won.
Such a hard choice! But I think I would choose the car seat , as we need that the most! Thanks!
I would go with the stroller
I would choose the car seat because my baby is due in May and a car seat is more necessary.
The stroller!!
I would totally go with the stroller! Strollers are so convenient and the Quinny is super sleek and stylish!!!
I would pick the stroller.
I would def pick the stroller 🙂
I would choose the stroller.
Maxi Cosi.
The stroller!
Tough decision, but I think I’d choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller
I would love the stroller! Yippie!
I would pick the car seat if I won for my baby boy. Thank you for the chance
This Quinny stroller is so beautiful. I would love itnfor my little Scarlett ❤
I’d love the stroller!
That stroller is Aaaamazing!! I would choose that for sure. It’s so luxurious looking.
I would love the stroller❤❤❤❤
I would choose the Car seat.
So hard to choose! I would choose the stroller. I think. LOL
I would pic khe Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller
Im thinking the car seat woyld be perfect start to the collection.
I would choose the awesome stroller!
As obssesed as I am with the stroller right now I’m on the hunt for a double stroller. I wish I had tips for shopping with a toddler but right now when it comes to shopping with a toddler I’m def. not #winning . These tips should help a lot tho, thanks so much!
I would choose the Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller.
i would choose the car seat 🙂
I’d LOVE a stroller! we just had our third baby and could definitely use a new stroller. Thanks for the chance!!
So cute I love the stroller
Would love a safe carseat for my two year old son. Thank you
I’d choose the stroller.
I would love to win the car seat!
I choose pick the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
I love both so hard to choose one. But if I had to probably the car seat because it looks so strong and safe.
If I won, I would love the stroller!
I would choose the stroller!
If I won I would choose the car seat
I would choose the stroller — nicest stroller I’ve ever seen.
Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller
I would choose the stroller.
I’d choose the stroller. It’s cute! Snack and toys for sure.
I would choose the Rachel Zoe Quinny Stroller.
I would choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
The Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller is my first choice
They’re both great! The stroller would get so much use. I could do so many things and go so many places!
I would choose the Maxi Cosi car seat because I’ll need it soon for our third child!
Love the car seat!
Love the car seat! This would be perfect for my new baby.
I would choose the car seat!
I like the stroller
I would choose the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller!
Love both ,so no idea 🙂 !
I would pick the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
I would choose the stroller. Since that’s what is needed for the baby
I would choose the stroller.
I would love love LOVVVVVVE to win this stroller. (you should see my stroller now :/) Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
If I won, I’d choose the Rachel Zoe Quinny Moodd Stroller.
I would like the Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller.
I am would pick the stroller.
It’s so hard to choose when my baby would benefit from either one, but safety first and the car seat would be a great blessing.
Quinny Rachel Zoe Moodd Stroller
Quinny Moodd Rachel Zoe stroller
This would be amazing for my new nephew!