19 Ways to Make Baby Smile

On the Town

Remember how much you hated schlepping around on errands when you were a kid? Well, your baby probably isn't so crazy about it either. I've accepted the fact that Sasha is never going to love the dry cleaner, but I have enough on-the-go tricks that I don't panic every time she gets restless in the stroller.

5. Free Spectacles. First and foremost, I always try to run errands in areas where there are visual distractions. Watching the pizza guy throw dough in the air or peering into the pet shop window may not seem all that exciting to you, but they're new to a baby and can buy you some time when you need it.

6. Planned Fun. We both enjoy the day more if there's some planned fun to break things up. If there's an 11 a.m. story hour at the big book store, I run errands in that area and use story time as a much-needed break.

7. Novelty Freebies. Sometimes our schedule doesn't permit so many stops. That's when I get out the new "toys": supermarket circulars, plastic spoons, etc. Never underestimate the power of novelty items, especially when they're free!

8. Junk Shops. And when all else fails, I use my secret weapon: the 99-cent store. There's so much colorful junk in these shops your child is sure to be captivated. And if Sasha must have that ugly plastic turtle, it's only 99 cents. You can't go wrong.