How to Buy a Wagon

A wagon is a traditional toy that's sure to please any young child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Child's Wagon

1. Understand that today's wagons come with a lot of options. Most wagons are designed for children aged 18 months to 4 years.

2. Know that wagons start at $50 and increase with additional features.

3. Realize that lightweight plastic wagons are quite popular, as they're easy for children to pull and lighter for adults to pull children around in.

4. Realize that traditional metal wagons are still available, most notably from Radio Flyer. Radio Flyer makes a red metal wagon for $50, as well as fancier versions with wood sides. Its ATW Cargo Wagon is priced at $150 and is designed for off-road use.

5. Be aware that metal wagons are attractive but tend to be noisier and less comfortable than plastic wagons.

6. Look at the features available in plastic wagons. Some come with removable sides (such as the Little Tikes Adventure Wagon) so that children can get in and out easily and so that oversize items can be placed on the wagon. These are priced at around $65 and up.

7. Check out other wagons (such as the Little Tikes Deluxe Two Door Wagon) that have doors on the sides. These start at around $60.

8. See that some deluxe wagons come with built-in seats and foot wells so that children can ride comfortably. These wagons begin at around $60.

9. Know that Radio Flyer also has a Walker Wagon designed for toddlers to push for about $50.

10. Shop for wagons from the Shopping List below or at your favorite online or local toy store.

Tips & Warnings

• Accessories are available for wagons. Radio Flyer makes a bed and side pads, priced at $25. The company also has an attachable umbrella for about $13.
• Look for wagons with extra-long handles for more comfortable adult pulling.
• Most wagons will require some assembly.

[Berengaria]

on 6/11/2007 Wow, I've been trying to decide on and buy a wagon for our family, and when I searched, up popped this article. It led me to a wide selection of options and now I know all I need to buy a children's wagon to haul our gear to the park.

on 9/13/2006 Be careful when buying wagons with spoked wheels. Kids love to touch everything and may find a moving wheel interesting enough to grasp. Spoked wheels add the danger of a child's hand getting caught or lacerated. Also, check the clearance between the wheel and the main body of the wagon. If there is a chance your child's hand can be pinched between the wagon wheel and the body of the wagon, consider looking at other wagons.

on 11/22/2005 There is a large umbrella accessory for children's wagons that mounts to the floor of the wagon and provides excellent shade coverage for both riders. Check out www.covered-wagons.com for details. It really works well and is worth a look.