Visit http://www.1000todaywebinar.com/ for more info

1. For my baby's first trip abroad ever, we went on a
shopping spree in Dubai, more because I needed the
change than the merchandise. I knew it wouldn't be easy
to roam a huge shopping mall with a 7-month-old, but I
decided it was worth a try. After the trip, I came up with a
few pieces of advice, some of which I did and were life-
saving and others I admittedly didn't do, but wish I had.

2. Before you go

3. a) Make a list: If you're not only shopping for the fun of
it, and need to get things done, make a list of everything
you need to buy, or at least some of them. It will help you
save time instead of staring at the numerous shops saying
"Why did I come here again?"

4. b) Sit at your computer: If you know specific shops you
intend to go to, visit their website. You can get an idea
about available merchandise and prices from the comfort
of your own chair. Also, don't forget to visit the website of
the mall/s you're heading to and writing down in a small
notebook where each store is, or at least on which floor.
This idea is a tremendous timer-saver.

5. c) Get your gear ready: Maybe your baby is not a big fan of
being strapped to a stroller or carried in a soft carrier, but
those gears are an absolute necessity. Your baby might
fuss for a while when first put in a stroller if he's not used
to it, but he will be distracted by motion, shops, people
and everything happening around him that he will
eventually stop crying, even when stationary. So no matter
how the baby gear is a pain to carry around, resist the
temptation to leave them behind. Most strollers are
equipped with baskets, which are great for keeping the
baby's bag and small shopping bags, without needing four
arms to carry stuff around. Give it some thought and
decide which suits you and your baby better. If travelling
by air, remember that strollers can be folded, wrapped in
plastic wrap for a small fee, given a number and claimed

6. When you're there:

7. a) Plan "alone time": No matter how difficult it is to leave
your baby in a hotel room or at home with someone, if
you need to get things done, you just might have to. Leave
your baby with your partner or any family member
accompanying you for a couple of hours or so. During this
time you can buy lots of things you need, visit non-baby-
friendly stores and get things done faster. No matter how
hard you try, a baby will make things go slower, so you are
bound to buy faster and more efficiently when alone.
Combine this with the list idea, and you'll be saving loads
of time. Try to leave your baby fed and changed: you don't
want to come back to a husband who's complaining about
how "the baby won't eat", "won't stop crying" or a baby
whose diaper isn't worn the way it should be. (Sorry
guys, but when it comes to babies, you crack in a flash!)

8. b) When shopping for clothes: You may keep your baby in
his stroller next to your seat while you try on a shoe, but
in a fitting room? Not always an option! Some fitting
rooms are too tight to accommodate you, your clothes
AND a stroller. In this case, use a car seat instead which is
especially useful with younger infants. They fit in almost
every fitting room. However, the only downside to them is
how tiring it becomes to carry around your baby in his
seat while you walk long distances between shops. So try
to have someone with you to guard your baby in his
stroller while you try on clothes, don't go to many shops
or walk a lot if you use a car seat, and better yet, restrict
clothes' shopping to your "alone time" if possible.

9. c) Pay attention to your baby's needs: With all the
glamorous shops out there, you might forget about your
baby's schedule for moments. Trust me, it happens!
Needless to say, you will be carrying around your baby's
bag full of his necessary items. Do not take everything
with you, but keep it short to the crucial items only. You
don't need the extra weight to carry around. There's no
need to carry extra clothes or all the medicine you brought
from home, the ones which your baby needs a dose of
during the day are enough. Some necessities are:

10. i. Diapers and wipes: If you use cotton balls and
water, forget it! Be practical. Let your baby wear a bib
before going out and keep one or two in his/her bag, to
minimize the need for changing clothes.

11. ii. Teething medicine (e.g.: gel) and teethers if your baby is
teething and the pain kicks in.

12. iii. Baby food jars and bottles/formula/warm water in a
thermos bottle/nursing cover. Tip: Only take baby food
your baby tried and liked. You don't want him/her making
a "yuck" face and spitting the food on the go or at a table.

13. iv. A toy and a small pack of tissues.

14. d) Have fun: Don't let motherly responsibilities overwhelm
you, enjoy your day/trip as much as you can, and don't
panic if anything goes against your plans. Be happy about
the fact that your angel is sharing this with you and don't
think of him/her as an obstacle.

15. After your trip

16. Relax: Shopping with an infant, especially for consecutive
days, is exhausting and it drains your energy. Take a day
off and do nothing but care for yourself and your baby.
The shopping bags are going nowhere and will not scream
for help if not unpacked, no matter how excited you get
about them. And yes, take-out is now a 24/7 option, so
use it, or make simple sandwiches using things your
pantry already contains. Forget about the laundry, take a
nice hot shower when your baby naps, and postpone
every chore for the next day.

17. http://www.1000todaywebinar.com/