Have you ever heard of the inversion? It’s that special time of year in Utah that the clouds trap the smog and air pollution in the city and people become abnormally slow-moving. The winter before Isabella was born, the news started reporting that pollution had become so bad that pregnant women should avoid being outdoors for long periods of time. So I moved into the local Target when I needed to avoid the smog, cold, my house, and the library. It became routine. When Isabella began walking, I’d take her to Target and she’d push around this little Minnie Mouse shopping cart for as long as I’d let her. She’d full on shop. Anything on a bottom shelf was fair game. She’d grab things and then put things on the bottom tray of our cart, her cart, and any cart she could find. Watching those unsuspecting shoppers walk away with five bags of Tostitos chips stowed away in their cart was the most entertaining part of my day.
Then came baby number two and I completely avoided the store. My kids just REQUIRE hip-service and carrying Kate while pushing a cart is not my favorite pastime. I tried to keep her in her car seat, which she loathes entirely. Between the yelling and not having space in my cart for anything bigger than one can of corn, the car seat option was quickly vetoed. So how have I not starved my family, you ask? For one, I have a great husband that’s happy to do the shopping with or without me. Then there are my angel parents who’d bring home anything on my list if I asked them to. But I missed strolling through produce and smelling the strawberries so I resorted to tracking my parents’ shopping patterns so that I could tag along to the store with them. Remind me to never try to become a Private Investigator.
Then I found Binxy Baby.
Binxy Baby hammocks are light, super simple to use, comfortable for Kate, easy to roll up and store, and it still leaves ample space for all that Isabella decides to shove in my cart. Yes, Isabella still sneaks in the occasional buy but she did turn us onto this amazing kettle corn so it all works out. My Binxy rolls up, fits in my diaper bag, and hides well in my trunk. I leave it in there and toss it into my diaper bag on my way into the store. Once in, it conveniently clips on to the sides of my shopping cart, with added fastening straps for safety. I can strap Kate in or I can strap Kate’s car seat in, which makes things even more convenient if she falls asleep in the car (which is the only way she’d stay in the car seat). It fits all standard sized carts and so far I’ve taken it for a swing at Publix, Fresh Market, and Target and it’s worked beautifully.
The best thing about it? Kate likes it! Why wouldn’t she? Have you ever hung in a hammock? They’re the poster-seat for relaxation. Kate happily hangs out in her hammock while we hang out at Target. It positions her in a way that she can still look around and she doesn’t feel restricted. She’ll happily play with her feet while she helps me sort through the produce or the 500 extra items I toss into my cart at Target on my way in for paper towels. My arms are now free and I don’t have to fight Kate to let go of the limes she steals from me when I’m tossing them into the cart (I can’t blame her, I love them also). Isabella is also happy as a clam to be out shopping. Publix lives up to their slogan, shopping really IS a pleasure for Isabella and her free cookie.
Once again, Isabella, Kate, and I have a place to go when we need to avoid the rain, heat, and all other responsibility. Where do you go with your littles to avoid the weather?
*This review is not sponsored. A Binxy Baby Hammock was kindly provided by Binxy Baby. All opinions are my own.
*Thanks to Susan Marinello for these amazing photos.
Thanks, great article.