| What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and relies on credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, highly respected health organizations and experts in various fields. All content is fact-checked by professional journalists prior to publishing. Show
We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Updated: November 29, 2021 Latest update:See more What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links. Best Wagon Strollers
Whether you’re a soon-to-be first-time parent or a veteran mom or dad of a couple cute kiddos, chances are you know to put a stroller on your baby wish-list. But when you delve deep into researching which stroller is right for you, you quickly realize that there’s no shortage of strollers out there — or stroller types. One of the less traditional types of strollers out there that many parents find comes in handy is called a wagon stroller. This type of stroller is designed — just as you guessed it — like a wagon, which means you can load up your child(ren) inside and pull them along for a fun and convenient ride just about anywhere. Why you might need a wagon strollerHave you ever tried pushing a stroller across a sandy beach or a field of thick grass? It’s a pretty bumpy ride (and tough going for whoever’s doing the steering). Wagon strollers are more equipped to handle rougher terrains, mainly because they have a heavier base and can hold more weight evenly than most traditional strollers. Wagon strollers also tend to be more spacious than most of the other strollers on the market, and that’s mainly thanks to their wide and open base. This means you can usually fit more than one child and definitely a whole lot more cargo inside than you would normally be able to with another type of stroller. So if you’re an active parent (or just do a lot of schlepping), this might be a great option for you and your little one. Different types of wagon strollers — and what to look for when buyingWhen shopping for a wagon stroller, there are a few key types you’ll likely encounter. Each type has slightly different features that make it right for some families but not others. Here’s a brief breakdown:
Most wagon strollers will have key safety features similar to traditional strollers, like seat belts and sun protection canopies. But regardless of what type you pick, there’s one feature you should pay close attention to before pressing the “Buy Now” button: weight limits. Wagon strollers have set weight limits to prevent incidences of the stroller collapsing or its structure being compromised in any way. In addition, many wagon strollers are not designed for babies and toddlers under the age of 18 months, which means that their infrastructure and seating areas are not built to accommodate the weight and size of this age range. So unless the product explicitly says it’s meant for kids younger than 18 months (or includes a car seat adaptor), do not try to use it for younger babies. How we made our picks for the best wagon strollerTo create our list of the best wagon strollers, we checked offerings at some of the top stroller manufacturers as well as major baby-gear retailers to find the best quality, top-rated and most durable options available on the market. We also factored in customer reviews as well as the insight and feedback from our What To Expect community members. Here are the best wagon strollers that are sure to come in handy on your parenting journey. See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklistGo to Registry BuilderBest OverallEvenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller WagonBuying Options: Amazon $400 See NowbuybuyBaby $400 See NowTarget $400 See NowWalmart $440 See NowRegistry List:Amazon Add to RegistrybuybuyBaby Add to RegistryPros: Accommodates 1-2 children, UPF 50 protection, can convert to a traditional stroller Cons: Bulky when folded up, sun shades are flimsy Why We Community Why We Love It This is a popular wagon stroller model, mainly because of its ease of use, sturdy all-terrain wheels and the fact that it offers room for up to two kids ages 6 months to 5 years. It also has a ton of storage space, including pockets inside and outside of the wagon and a basket below the handle for easy access to your phone, keys or wallet. The canopy has UPF 50 sun protection and can be easily removed. And although it’s roomy, the safety straps will keep your little one secure. Another great perk of this stroller is that you can fully adapt it to your comfort level — it can be pushed or pulled depending on your preference. Unlike other strollers where you have to purchase accessories, this one comes with it all, including a snack tray and internal cup holders. Recommended age: 6 months to 5 years Weight limit: Up to 55 pounds Weight: 34.7 pounds Dimensions: 27 x 39 x 45 inches; 27.5 x 23 x 37.5 inches folded Community Reviews “We love our evenflo pivot xplore. it is soooo amazing on the beach. we haven't done much off roading with it since we got it but we use it everywhere and for everything, even if it's only carrying one child. it's one of the smoothest, easiest strollers ive ever pushed and i've owned a lot of different strollers and brands.” - larkyn29Best All-Terrain Wagon StrollerVeer Cruiser Next Generation Premium Stroller Wagon HybridBuying Options: Amazon $699 See NowBed Bath & Beyond $700 See NowAlbee Baby $758 See NowREI $699 See NowRegistry List:Amazon Add to RegistryPros: Ideal for all terrains, can accommodate most car seats, folds up easily Cons: More expensive than others on this list, handle is tricky to navigate Why We Community Why We Love It Although the price on this wagon stroller is high compared to other models, many parents say it is well worth the money, especially if you have multiple children. This stroller can tackle just about any terrain, whether you’re walking unpaved sidewalks or attempting a hilly hike. Unlike some wagon strollers, this one lets you attach a car seat (and offers adaptors for most brands), so you can use it to transport a child under 6 months old. Its durability is unmatched — some reviewers report having used it for several years — and it can accommodate two children up to 55 pounds. When used without a car seat, there are spots for two children and a snack tray in between with dual cup holders. Recommended age: 6 months and older, up to weight limit Weight limit: Up to 55 pounds per seat Weight: 32.5 pounds Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 25 inches; 37 x 20 x 14 when folded Community Reviews “Came in the mail and we already love it! Both girls wanted to sit in it just to eat snacks and be pulled around the living room when we first unboxed it. Ha The next day we used it outside and they were both just so proud to sit in it and love pulling the canopies up and having their own little private tent together. Can't wait to use it on vacation next week!” - Jlmom3Best 2-in-1 StrollerBaby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon PlusBuying Options: Amazon $300 See NowWalmart $367 See NowWayfair $567 See NowRegistry List:Amazon Add to RegistryPros: Fits two kids, durable Cons: Heavy, car seat adaptor isn’t the most secure, canopy doesn’t provide full shade Why We Community Why We Love It Like many wagon strollers, this one can be pushed or pulled, but the unique part about this one is that you can “hide” one of the handles by pushing it underneath in a storage spot. This prevents you from having two large handles open at the same time. The storage options are also conveniently interchangeable — you can attach the basket at the front or back of the stroller. The snack tray, which sits in between the two kiddo seats, can be removed at any time to make more space inside and the sun canopy, which offers UPF 50 sun protection, can also be taken down. (It also protects against mosquitos, a unique bonus ideal for muggy climates.) Recommended age: 6 months and up, until weight limit Weight limit: 110 pounds total (55 lbs per seat) Weight: 42 pounds Dimensions: 42 x 27 x 44 inches Community Reviews “I got the Baby Trend 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon, definitely loving it so far, my 4 year old fits nicely and has plenty of leg room (she’s abit tall) even with the attachment for the car seat on which felt super secure when I tried it. Also love that there’s a mosquito net inside the canopy that covers the whole wagon since we’re primarily using this for walks and mosquitoes here in Alaska are so bad.” - stephaniee468Best Basic Wagon StrollerRadio Flyer 3-In-1 EZ Fold Wagon With CanopyBuying Options: Amazon $130 See NowbuybuyBaby $110 See NowTarget $110 See NowWalmart $179 See NowRegistry List:Amazon Add to RegistrybuybuyBaby Add to RegistryPros: Fully collapsible, seats multiple children, high weight limit Cons: Some parents say canopy is flimsy, can only be used for older kids Why We Community Why We Love It It’s hard to find any type of stroller on a tight budget, let alone a wagon stroller with enough room to accommodate two kiddos. But the best part about this more affordable Radio Flyer option is that it’s fully collapsible, making it a great piece of equipment to keep in your car for trips and outings. The top canopy is fully removable and has UV protection. Each end has convenient storage — water bottle holders on one side, storage pocket on the other — to help you hold onto the basics. But keep in mind that this is meant for kids 18 months and up, and doesn’t have any way to safely hook on a carseat. Recommended age: 18 months and up (until weight limit) Weight limit: 150 pounds Weight: 21.32 pounds Dimensions: 39.37 x 21.26 x 40.75 inches Community Reviews “We love our radio flyer! And we have the one that has the top for shade!” - Amylesch4Most VersatileKeenz 7s Stroller WagonBuying Options: Amazon $449 See NowWalmart $810 See NowAlbee Baby $450 See NowRegistry List:Amazon Add to RegistryPros: Fits two children, ample storage space, adjustable handles Cons: Some parents had issues with the wheels collapsing Why We Community Why We Love It This stroller is beautiful in every way, from its leather handles to its black matte wheels. It’s extremely versatile and can be easily maneuvered in nearly every terrain, while also giving you the option of pushing it like a stroller in addition to pulling it like a wagon. Parents appreciate the 5-point safety harness with fabric straps for optimal comfort. Plus, it looks sleek enough that it can be repurposed as a regular wagon long after your kids are walking handily on their own. Recommended age: 12 months and up (until weight limit) Weight limit: 110 pounds Weight: 32 pounds Dimensions: 35.5 x 19.5 x 44.25 inches; 30.5 x 13 inches when folded flat Community Reviews “I have a double wagon I loveee for my niece and son … it’s on the expensive side for sure but my friend and I bought it together and we both have two more babies on the way so we figured we’d get our money worth - I highly recommend.” - Sassi333Best for Large FamiliesWonderfold W4 Elite Quad Stroller WagonBuying Options: buybuyBaby $800 See NowBed Bath & Beyond $800 buybuyBaby Add to RegistryPros: Fits up to 4 children, folds easily, push brake for extra safety Cons: Heavy, not ideal for all surfaces Why We Community Why We Love It Most wagon strollers can’t accommodate more than two kids, making them non-starters with larger families. That’s where this quad wagon stroller really comes in handy. As its name suggests, it can fit up to four children with a total weight limit of 180 pounds. Each child is secured with her own 5-point harness and has her own footrest to comfortably place her feet. The carriage itself is surrounded by mesh panels for maximum ventilation and is covered by a removable canopy that is UV protected. Seats are removable in case you want to just use this as a wagon, and the foot brake keeps passengers inside safe when navigating hills. Some parents have also reported that this wagon works well for older children who have mobility issues but are too big for most strollers. Recommended age: 6 months and up Weight limit: 180 pounds Weight: 41 pounds (with seats installed) Dimensions: 32.5 x 24.5 x 12 inches; 33.5 x 30 x 16.5 inches folded Community Reviews “I have a w4 2.0 wonderfold wagon and hands down I love it. I have taken everywhere I go, store, soccer games, for walks, to the park,..you get the point. Yes it is heavy and takes up a good chunk of space....but with how multifunctional it is I don't even care. it's very easy to push especially off road. I have 3 kids and this works great. I'm not sure where you would be able to find this in person per say but it is definitely worth the investment imo.” - ytterbium17Best for Day TripsDelta Children Jeep Deluxe Wrangler Stroller WagonBuying Options: Amazon $430 See NowTarget $320 See NowWalmart $400 See NowRegistry List:Amazon Add to RegistryPros: Ample space, has built-in cooler, car seat adaptor included Cons: Heavy and bulky, hard to maneuver Why We Community Why We Love It Ready for your next family adventure, this stroller wagon has everything you and your crew need to enjoy life on the road, whether you’re enjoying a day trip or a week-long getaway. It can be used in three ways: with a car seat attached (it’s compatible with Graco, Evenflo, Britax and Chicco models), as a wagon stroller and then as your standard wagon. The durable frame holds up to 110 pounds (55 lbs in each of the two seats). The canopy is wide-ranging and is made from a UV-blocking mesh fabric that keeps the sun’s harmful rays out. The biggest perk, however, is definitely the built-in cooler that’s fully removable. This means you can keep your beverages and snacks cool on the go without having to lug them around yourself. Recommended age: 6 months and up (until weight limit) Weight limit: 110 pounds Weight: 46.2 pounds Dimensions: 46 x 29 x 46 inches; 38 x 29 x 25 inches folded Community Reviews “This will be perfect this summer when our newest little one is here… I would definitely recommend this to anyone who needs a double stroller mostly for walks around the neighborhood or the park. It’s going to be very handy for us.” Is a wagon a stroller?Many brands sell versatile stroller wagons these days, complete with canopies, seats, cup holders, push/pull handles and storage options. Some parents even replace their double strollers with stroller wagons, considering there's more space for the little ones and all their things.
Can I use a wagon instead of a stroller?Verdict. Wagons are good if you mostly drive somewhere, then walk around. If you take public transit or are out long enough that kids needs a nap, a stroller – whether double or sit & stand is probably the answer.
Are wagon strollers allowed at Disney?Unfortunately, per the Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules, wagons and stroller wagons are not permitted in the theme parks, regardless of if they are pushed or pulled or their dimensions.
What type of vehicle is a stroller?A stroller is a wheeled vehicle to transport children, usually from infancy to 36 months old. Children are transported generally in a sitting up or semi-reclined position by a person pushing on a handle attached to the stroller.
|
Is a wagon considered a stroller?
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 SignalDuo Inc.
