For parents with toddlers, the seemingly simple task of finding the right toy for your toddler could be very overwhelming. What is it that I want my toddler to do at this point? You think of something fun, where he will learn something, where he could grow more independently and yes, you think of a wagon. But it is just a box with a handle and wheels. As their structure is almost the same, how will you distinguish which is the best wagon for toddlers, particularly, your child?
Top 5 Best Wagon For Toddlers In 2017 Market
- EDITOR’S CHOICE: HABA Walker Wagon – Starter Wooden Push Toy with Seat and Storage.
- Great Choice: Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon by Radio Flyer.
- Best Choice Garden Wagon With 8 Gardening Tools Fun Kids Toy Play Set by Best Choice Products.
- Little Tikes Fold ‘N Go Folding Wagon by Little Tikes.
- Mega Bloks Block Scooping Wagon Building Set by Mega Bloks.
What is a Wagon?
A wagon is a four-wheeled rectangular vehicle usually drawn by farm animals as horses or cows. The vehicle is used to transport supplies and agricultural products and sometimes even people. Depending on the load, these are drawn by two or four farm animals.
History of the Toy Wagon
The earliest reference to the toy wagons may be the toy carts used by the ancient cultures of the Mayans and the Aztecs. Toy wagons were already in existence in the late 19th century. It was made of wood and painted red. In 1923, an ambitious man named Antonio Pasin made and introduced these toy wagons in the United States. He made a lot of these in his workshop in Chicago, and he eventually founded the Radio Flyer. The wagons got recognition in 1933 during the Chicago World Fair.
The Toy Wagons of Today
The design of the toy wagon since 1900’s did not change much until the present day. The only difference would be the number of bolts that were used to control steering better. Now wagons are made of wood, plastic, polyethylene, aluminum or steel. Although exterior paint is used for toy wagons, over time, steel is still susceptible to rusting. The wagon handle may vary from a T-shaped or one with a D-shaped or circular handle.
Benefits of Getting Your Child a Toy Wagon
A toy wagon is a helpful tool for toddlers most especially when he is just starting to walk. The handle of the wagon will act as a support for him to hold on to while he pushes his toy forward. He may fall, but he will be confident to maneuver the toy on his own and enjoy playing with his wagon.
Little children have a keen eye for the things that adults do. Thus, to encourage further us of the wagon, you can let him observe you filling and unloading one with supplies. On his part, you may provide him building blocks which he could fill his wagon with to transfer this to a designated place in his play area. By doing this, he can practice coordinated movements and avoid falling as he picks and puts down the blocks. He also strengthens his arm muscles as he does this.
Finding Best Wagons for Your Toddler
So now, the task of finding which wagon would best suit your toddlers need is at hand. Following is a summary of the features of 5 of the best-rated wagons for toddlers. Some of the wagons have been made to showcase new features which the manufacturers think may pick the interest of your child. See and decide for yourself.
HABA Walker Wagon – Starter Wooden Push Toy with Seat and Storage
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This wood wagon is made of beechwood and plywood and painted with non-toxic stain. Although the wagon aids the toddler as he takes his first few steps, this doubles up like a doll stroller. Kids would, therefore, be able to enjoy and play while working on strengthening his leg muscles.
Dimensions: 13″ x 20″ x 19.5″. Perfect for kids 10 months to three years.
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Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon
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This toy is the perfect steel red wagon with 10-inch steel wheels and rubber tires. The wagon has no scratch edges. It has a long handle which you can fold underneath for easy storage. The turning radius is controlled so that the wagon won’t tip over.
Dimensions: 37.4” x 5.2” x 17.6” .
Suitable for use by toddlers 1 ½ to 3 years.
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Best Choice Garden Wagon With 8 Gardening Tools Fun Kids Toy Play Set
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This wagon is a 14-piece plastic toy trolley complete with gardening items as flower pots, a pail, a spray water bottle, and gardening tools as a pick, a spade, a clipper, a hoe and three rakes. Ideal for outdoor as well as indoor play.
The wagon is lightweight (2.0 lbs.) and stands at 7.5″.
Wagon Dimensions: 14″(L) x 9.75″(W) x 3.75″(H).
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Little Tikes Fold ‘N Go Folding Wagon
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This wagon is made of sturdy plastic with rubber wheels so that it does not produce noise. It has two seats with seatbelts and 4 cup holders. The seats can be folded so that it can be transformed into a flatbed and may be used for hauling things. A canopy can be bought separately to protect the children from the sun.
The wagon can be operated by 1 1/2 to 5-year old kids.
Dimensions: 24.9″ (W) x 57.8″ (D) x 33.1″ (H)
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Mega Bloks Block Scooping Wagon Building Set
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This plastic toy combines the fun of classic wagon play, and construction fun as your toddler pushes the toy to collect the blocks along his way. The toy comes with 20 brightly colored blocks which he can either pick by pressing against his wagon or construct just about anything he can think of.
For added fun, you can purchase additional blocks (Mega Blocks). Let your child build his creation, either on the floor or the wagon handled (when folded).
Toy us suitable for kids aged 1 to 5 years.
Dimensions: 18” (L) x 12” (W)x 12.8” (H) inches
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Which Turned Out to Be the Best Wagon for Toddlers?
When it really comes down to choosing a toy for a toddler, several factors had to be put in mind: the ability to answer a need, safety and operability. It is because of this that hands-down, the HABA Walker Wagon would prove to be the best choice for a toddler wagon. It is weighty and well-built so that parents would not have to worry about it tipping over. It is provided with adjustable brakes which make it perfect for toddlers as well as growing kids.
The toy is treated with a non-toxic water-based stain. Most importantly, the structure exactly fits the need of a toddler just starting to walk: a toy that will reinforce his walking skills while at the same time providing him with basic play necessities: a double-up stroller for dolls and a receptacle located at the back seat for his other toys.
The Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon would come in second because of its sturdy structure. It would be a great wagon for kids to be in while their parent tow. However, play-wise, the Radio Flyer would be more for bigger kids as the wagon is more known for its practical uses and bigger kids would just enjoy trying to race this wagon more than anything else.
Because of its sturdiness, the Radio Flyer has become more of a multi-purpose equipment for adults which they use for their daily household chores.