I know the words 'Ikea', 'new born' and 'toddler' mentioned in the same sentence would be enough to cause a panic attack for some, but for me a trip to Ikea (sans husband) is a fun morning out. I think at this stage I've got it down to a fine art so I ventured out to one of my favorite places last week with a toddler and a new born, and decided to put these tips together.
Bring a Friend
For me that's my equally Ikea crazy friend Sarah, and her toddler and new born. The company is great, as a two year old tends not to share your enthusiasm for clever wardrobe inserts and amazing lamps. It's also nice to have another breastfeeding Mammy with you, especially if you're feeling nervous about feeding in public. (For the 1st of the 100th time, it can still be daunting, give
yourself credit).
Get There Early
The car-park opens a half hour before the store, so that gave us time to park up in family spaces, strap the babies into their carriers and the toddlers into their buggies. It's also good to get there before the rush so you don't get stuck in the Ikea shuffle (similar to the Ryanair shuffle, in that people que for no reason and move slower than snails along the marked track on the ground).Don't Waste Time
I know it's tempting to spend ages wandering around each little show home and you start to imagine your life in a 55m2 studio apartment, but realistically this is never going to happen, and if you could afford to kit out your apartment the exact way Ikea do, chances are you could afford a bigger apartment, There's probably nothing up here you actually need, so don't waste time that could be spent shopping in the Market Hall.
Take a Load Off
Take full advantage of how child friendly the restaurant is. If you don't already have one, get yourself a Family Card at the little kiosk before you order, on top of other benefits, it gets you free coffee. And what mother doesn't love free coffee. We got ourselves comfortable in the little breastfeeding snug, and let the two boys run in the play corner right in front of us. They have bottle warming facilities, kids cutlery and plates etc, and hot and cold kids meals for fairly cheep. Plenty to feed and entertain the toddlers while we fed the babies and had our coffee (Did I mention the free coffee?!)
Use the Facilities
This is also a good time for nappy changes before you're an entire store away from the bathrooms again. There's changing tables in both the mens' and womens' restrooms, and there is enough space to move a buggy in and out. They've thought of everything; low down loos for children toilet training, and steps so they can reach the sinks to wash their hands. There are even nappies and wipes available at customer service is you've found yourself stuck.
Treat Yourself(and your toddler)
You'll probably have to buy the child something. Just like I couldn't walk past hangers and storage boxes for Fionn's room, he took a liking to an abacus, ad wouldn't let me move on without it. To be fair he spent the rest of the trip in his buggy counting and naming all the colours, so for £10 I really didn't mind adding an educational toy to my haul.
Have a Shopping List
Know (roughly) what you want from the Market Hall, it didn't take us long to fill our bags, with mostly things we had gone in for. Frames, candle holders, glasses, the usual! Then it was a quick march to pay and get out of there before a toddler melt down. Top marks for us this week, as I even remembered to bring a Big Blue Bag for each of us. Honestly, how many times have you got to the check out at Ikea and realised you had to buy yet another one to add to your pile of them at home.
All in all it was a lovely morning out. It got me out of the house, Sarah and I had a good catch up, and Fionn had a chance to run around and play with his friend. So the next time it's raining or cold and you just can't face a trip to the playground for the 5th time that week, pack up the car and give your local Ikea a try!
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