Kids love to play with toys, and wagons are no exception. They have been popular for generations because children do not just play with them; they ride in them. However, wagon ownership has passed through many families over the years as their value is perceived to be more than a toy.
And it's true – these sturdy and fun toys seldom wear out or break down. It is a rare family that has not owned them, even in today's world. Toy wagons are a part of childhood and have been for generations.
A good wagon is typically made of wood, but it can be made of metal or plastic. Some may even have rubber tires. It may be plain or fancy, with new ones carrying the look and feel of quality craftsmanship while older ones show wear from years of use.
Why Do Kids Love Wagons So Much?
They are easy to pull, carry a lot of stuff, and can handle uneven terrain. They have the capacity for lots of fun when children go exploring on foot or by bicycle. However, since you're never too old for them, adults often find themselves in need of a ride when they are walking on uneven ground or carrying heavy bags.
The downside is that many kids outgrow their toy wagons, but it's not at all unusual to see young parents pulling around their own children in wagons as part of family walks. It seems that this time-tested toy has a way of becoming an heirloom. The generations just keep passing them along!
They provide kids with the feeling of independence that they lack when they're dependent on adults to move them around. Wagons give them control over where they go and what they carry and transport things from one place to another.
Becoming independent is an important part of growing up, and wagons allow kids to experience those moments. They are allowed to explore and build their confidence in doing so by making their own fun. And just like many of us as children, they want a wagon that reflects who they are – from the color to details on it.
Using a Kids Wagon Safely
Toy wagons should be sturdy, have a wide base and handle well. Wagons with two wheels are the best because they cannot tip over as easily as those with four wheels. But some can be used on uneven ground because the front axle has a swivel to accommodate rough terrain.
Children should always wear shoes when riding in or pulling wagons, and sunglasses should protect their eyes to prevent sunburns. They also need plenty of water during any outdoor activity involving this toy.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has been making recommendations about their use ever since the first federal safety standard for toys was enacted in 1971.
Wagons are among those toys that exemplify the need to read instructions before giving them to a child to use. Unfortunately, there have been many reports of serious injuries where children were using them incorrectly, or they had been modified without being made safer by the addition of sides, seatbelts, or brakes. A wagon with no side rails is just not safe and should never be used.
Best Retailers
There are hundreds of toy, hardware, and department stores that sell wagons for kids. You'll find them in the baby section of department stores or near the play area for children at the front of some toy store chains.
You can also buy many styles online from websites specializing in toys and games. And you may run into garage sales where you can pick up a bargain at a fraction of what it would cost new. But if buying used is your plan, then it's important to make sure that any wagon you purchase has not been previously modified because this could be dangerous.
If you decide to order a toy wagon on Amazon, Walmart, or eBay, study all pictures and read reviews very carefully before purchasing to know exactly what you're getting, and there are no surprises. Some people selling wagons will try to get away with posting pictures of new toys when the actual item is used or refurbished, so be sure that you view this as a valuable part of your purchasing research.
