Explore the Grocery Store with Baby

The freebies at Sobeys this week have inspired me to include a trip to the grocery store as one of our 365 Saskatoon Baby Adventures. I know, I know... a trip to the grocery store may seem more like a weekly chore rather than an adventure. Or, if you're like me, you may have always enjoyed grocery shopping -- by yourself!

But, there are many things babies can gain from a visit to the local grocery store. A running commentary and age-appropriate involvement in the shopping can make this an enjoyable time for both parent and baby.

Start with the produce section for the healthiest, and most colorful, selections. Go over the names of each of the fruits and vegetables. Talk about the colors, sizes and shapes. Allow older babies to choose between two different types of vegetables or to reach over into the bin to pick up one of the fruits.  Allow baby to feel and smell the produce that you have picked. Older babies love to help place things into a bag or the cart. Keep a close eye out to make sure they don't bite into produce before it is washed.

Your cute kiddo will undoubtedly get smiles from passerbys. Take time to acknowledge and engage in short, friendly interactions, where appropriate. This will help teach baby common greetings and will introduce them to a variety of different faces.

Grocery shopping has become a special bonding time with my son, especially when I began looking at it as an educational adventure.

P.S. It's "Tight-@$$ Tuesday" at Sobeys today (my title, not theirs), so you can get an additional 10 percent off of your grocery bill during today's adventure!