Some children really seem to enjoy the shopping experience. Others get overly excited by all the colors, textures, smells, and noises, and they may "freak out" with bad behavior. If your child can handle the stimulation, shopping can be a fun outing. Plan before you go. Plan to go at a time when your baby is not hungry or tired. You might want to bring something from home for her to play with to keep those busy hands from grabbing something unsafe at the store. Don’t let her stand in the grocery cart. Use the seat strap, or bring one to keep her seated. You can help your baby to learn in the store by talking to her and pointing out the different items. When you choose some apples, you can say, “We need four red apples. See, one, two, three, four.” When you get cereal, show her the box; perhaps shake it, and let her see what is in it when you get home.

This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If we write him or her, we are talking about all babies. Every baby is different. Normal children may do things earlier or later than described in this FAQ. This FAQ describes typical children at each age. Each child is special and develops at his or her own pace.