Thinking of buying a wagon for my 3 yr old and 8 month old?

Question

Hi Everyone,

I'm thinking about buying a wagon for my kids (3 yr old and 8 month old). At walmart.com, they range in price from $50-$140.

What features should I look for in a double kids wagon? Also, if you own one, do your kids enjoy it? Where do you use the wagon (park, camping, walks, mall, etc)?

Thanks for the advice.

mari

Answer 1

We have a wagon that we use for the zoo and parks and occasionally neighborhood strolls. Ours is a radio flyer 2 seater, has built in cupholders(a must for trips to the zoo or out in the hot sun)The blue seats fold down so you can put a large sized cooler full of drinks and food if you are on a picnic and there's a little cargo pocket on the back just fine for mom's purse or a diaper bag or something. Things to look for are wheels that won't tip when you turn a corner, enough personal leg room so the kids aren't kicking each other in a common space, will it fit in your vehicle, durability(ours is so durable it's been through hadis and back and still looks like new) We are actually considering buy a couple more so the kids don't fight over who's turn it is to ride and who's turn it is to sit. I personally wouldn't bother with the canopy kind because they don't last and it's harder to stow in the car/minivan/suv for trips.

Answer 2

I have a Radio Flyer plastic double wagon -- it has seat backs that flip open on on each side so both kids are facing toward the middle. It has safety belts which are probably important especially since you have a littler one. There are some drink holders too which are particularly useful for a bottle of water when we're going on a walk. I mostly use it to walk to the park. My kids are now 4 1/2 years old (twins), and they do not do strollers anymore. When shopping, they walk, but we use the wagon to go the park or the zoo. The one thing this wagon is missing is any type of storage -- so if you have need to bring "stuff" along, I have seen little trailers that you can hitch on to it. It is heavy to pull two 4 year olds, so a stroller would be much easier to maneuver if you're trying to run errands or whatnot.

Answer 3

Sorry to say this, but your 8 month old needs greater support than the wagon could offer.

I have the Radio Flyer Pathfinder. It's great for my 2 year old but not safe, IMO, for an 8 month old. It's hard plastic. No cushions, rides bumpy. The seats do not recline, and the baby may slump over if he/she falls asleep.

Please wait until the baby is just a little bit older.

Answer 4

That red one with the canopy works well. You can store things beneath it. I use my friend's wagon. The kids like it, but it's more hindering than a stroller is and not as easy to steer and maneuver. We use hers at the zoo and parks. I wouldn't recommend the mall if you're going into stores with it.

Answer 5

Get the seat backs, belts, and rough and tumble wheels. Those red ones may be a classic, but are not as safe as the plastic - although a lot of those have shoddy wheels.

Answer 6

My son got one for Christmas one year. He loves it. It has 2 seats and has belts in it, which I had to use, because I started to put him in it when he could sit up by himself but still didn't have good balance. We just use it around the yard...
Your 3 year old would probably love riding in it of course but could probably even push the little one around.