A few months ago, a friend of mine posted on social media about what it was like to go shopping with her child. This brought attention to an issue that some people may never think about: inclusive shopping. Sometimes children don’t understand the importance of staying close to their parents in busy stores like supermarkets or in crowded places.

Of course, as parents we all want to avoid the panic when our child runs away and we can’t find them. Especially if they can’t speak yet or have communication barriers. How can they ask for help? These are things that some of us don’t think about if they don’t affect us.

Other special needs can also make shopping more challenging. Caregivers of children or people with limited mobility who rely on wheelchairs or other assistive devices have difficulty navigating the aisles in most stores.

Caroline’s Carts is on a mission to address these difficulties. Greater accessibility means making life easier for those who need it. It means inclusion and freedom. The carts are manufactured by Wanzl North America, but the idea came from an inspired mother and father.

Designed by Drew Ann and David Long and inspired by their daughter Caroline, this innovative shopping cart provides a safe and comfortable transportation option for people who find it difficult to sit in a traditional shopping cart.

Featuring an adjustable 5-point harness seat and a weight capacity of 16.9 to 113.3 kg. Caroline’s shopping carts also feature side handles, additional wheels and open up a whole new, positive shopping experience for people who might otherwise not be able to shop in-store with their loved ones.

Here in Owensboro, I’ve only ever seen these carts at Target on Frederica St. Until this week, Walmart on Leitchfield Rd. announced the arrival of its new Caroline’s Cart. To use the cart, all you have to do is ask an employee for help.

A complete game changer. Thanks to Walmart for making this possible. Most of all, I hope this encourages other stores to follow your example and make Owensboro a more inclusive place for everyone.