I Have a Baby and Ten Dollars...Now What?

Lately, I've loved going to farmers' markets with my daughter. It helps me get my shopping done, supports local farms, and could keep my baby amazed for hours. The site of a bright red tomato, the smell of pot after pot of basil, an Amish guy's crazy beard—she loves it all. Farmers' markets are hitting their stride, tomatoes and bell peppers are in their prime, and best of all, you can spend the whole day meandering around the tables and never spend more than twenty bucks tops.

I've recently taken to visiting the Headhouse Farmers' Market on 2nd after the baby is done screeching her way through yoga. I bought an heirloom tomato there the size of my head, and three cucumbers with the circumference of my fist. The produce I bought there was delicious, and my daughter loved looking at the different "arts and crafts" stands (think ropes and ropes of multi-colored beads). With an astounding 70 percent of children in America suffering from vitamin D deficiency—something that spending 15 minutes out in the sun could cure—everyone could use a little more outdoor time. Farmers' markets get the whole family into the sun and having a fantastic time.

There's another great market (with even more crazy Amish beards) on Fairmount every Thursday. The produce we buy here tastes like dirt...but in a good way. Now, this market is smaller than Headhouse, and I should warn you, markets aren't the greatest place to drag around a huge stroller. Oftentimes, the tables are close together and the delicious jellies in their shiny glass jars are at just the right height for little hands to grab...and drop.

If your baby is small enough, I suggest you use whatever baby sling/carrier/Swedish personal mobility system you own. The markets become infinitely more enjoyable when you're not constantly jostling your child out of the way or desperately trying to stop them from up-rooting all the parsley from the herb stand. If you absolutely have to take a stroller, take your smallest one.

Farmers markets are exciting, and with tons of new sights and smells, your child will want to be involved and some places are a little more conducive actually turning them loose. Greensgrow Farms is great for your mobile little person, as it is completely enclosed by feet and feet of chain link fence. Never heard of Greensgrow? We've mentioned it a couple times before on these pages, and it's well worth looking into. Think of it as "the Garden with a Cause." Started on a super fund site, Greensgrow grows its plants hydroponically, and it brings in meats, cheeses, and other treats from local artisans. The site itself is great for families, as it allows the children not only to see the yummy end product that ends up on their table but the plants from which these goodies grow. Both a market and a nursery Greensgrow has everything you need to make dinner and refresh your tired window box. Open Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., it's one of the few open-air markets that you don't feel super antsy about letting your little one explore hands on.

So now for the real bottom line: Are farmers' markets really cheaper than grocery stores?

Well...yes and no. Produce is usually either the same price or, more often than not, less than what you'd pay retail. I've found the quality of farmers' market veggies and fruits to be far better than those at the big chains, and call me crazy, but I like the idea of paying the farmer directly. As for cheeses, eggs, and such—that's where it gets dicey. I would say those prices are about on par with what you'd expect to pay at Whole Foods. Personally, I don't mind doing that because, again, I like the idea of all the profits going to guy who got up at three o'clock in the morning to water the plants.

More than likely there's a farmers' market near you. We feature a listing of markets in our Parking column, and you can also check out this list for a pretty comprehensive rundown of locations in Philadelphia proper and surrounding neighborhoods.

So that wraps up my tips for this coming week. Try to keep cool, slather on that sunscreen, and, as always, remember, if you have a tip you'd like to share or a gripe you'd like to spread, feel free to email me at amym@phillyist.com. Help a mother out.