Review: A quick visit to Target (Square One, Mississauga)

So I finally checked out Target at Square One in Mississauga last night. I only had a bit of time as I had to run other errands, but this is what I thought: Meh... nothing to get excited about.

A few things I noticed:

• For baby and toddler clothes, Walmart is still cheaper. Walmart has tops and bottoms starting at $3 - Target's start at $5. 
• Toy selection at Target isn't fab. It's actually pretty small and pricey.
• On the lower level at the mall entrance, they have four or five self-checkouts. Well, they had staff helping people at the checkouts because customers weren't sure how to use them. Plus half of the self-checkouts broke down.
• Their house brand of diapers are very cheap - cheaper than Costco, Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore. But here's the thing: I have no idea what their brand of diapers and wipes are like. Sure they say "leak-proof" but are they really? I'd rather spend the extra money on Pampers because I know they work.

So my final thoughts? I'll stick to Walmart and the Real Canadian Superstore. Although Target price-matches, I'd rather go somewhere else to price-match because Target doesn't have fresh produce.

Thoughts?

Best places to go with a new baby

I'll be honest with you: I stayed inside my apartment for a month before I went out by myself with my new baby. I thought of all the what-if's: What if I can't open and close the stroller? What if I have to change her diaper and I can't do it alone? What if I have to nurse her? What if she cries? What if people stare?

So if you're itching to escape your home with your new baby, here are some places I recommend in Mississauga, Ontario. They're divided into great and okay categories. You'll see why:

Great Places

• Erin Mills Town Centre: The mall isn't too big or too small, so there's a variety to look at. Plus their nursing room is awesome: there's a microwave, changing tables, comfy seats and it's all separated from the washroom stalls. Wherever you are in the mall, you don't have to travel far to dash to the nursing room. Oh and there's a Toys R Us Express, score!

• Any Ontario Early Years Centre location: Other moms are there, too, so everyone can relate to handling a fussy baby.

Okay Places 

• Square One Shopping Centre: The mall is large and unfortunately there's only one good nursing station (in my opinion). It's upstairs near Walmart, tucked behind Michel's Baguette. It has everything you need to nurse and change diapers, plus there's a private room in there with a toilet and chair for nursing. Just be warned: If you need to go there quickly and you feel antsy with a fussy baby, it may take awhile to get there.

• Indigo/Chapters: The most comfortable chairs here are in the children's section, but of course those aren't for nursing. And if you need a washroom asap, sometimes it's not nearby. So this is the best place to go if your baby just fell asleep but you still want to get out.

Also, I've never been here, but I've heard that those Movies for Mommies events are baby-friendly. Check their site for details.

Can you add anymore places to my list?

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse book set on sale

Another deal I've noticed here, but this time it's between Chapters and ... Chapters. The location by Square One has this for $5; the one in Oakville is selling it for $12.99. Not sure if either one is a pricing mistake BUT it's an interesting deal to note!