Wagon instead of stroller for older kid?

[NiteNicole]

http://www.fao.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2918334

Does anyone have anything similar, or a suggestion?

My daughter has a medical issue that means she can't walk for really long distances or be on her feet all day with out some pretty big set back. It's summer and we'd like to go to the zoo and stuff like that, but it is really just more walking than she can manage. Does anyone use a wagon for their 4.5 year old or older? I remember seeing tons of them the last time we went to the zoo, but we've never used one.

[lonegirl]

I love that it is so compact. I do not have a wagon (or a child older than 4) but I have seen many out and about....the kids seem happy in them and I have seen them curled up and asleep too.

[eclipse]

I find pulling things really bothers my arms and shoulders in a way that pushing them doesn't. I would use something like a wagon if it had a push bar like a stroller rather than a pull bar. That *is* a pretty cool wagon, though!

[rainbowmoon]

I'd go and try them out at TRU or elsewhere. I used our radio flyer wagon ALL THE TIME and took it everywhere when my kiddos were 3 and 4yo. It was the plastic 2 seater with the fold up seats and seatbelts. there is one just like it with the canopy as our friend had that one..( it is super sturdy, I also used it to haul hay bales for my goats and rocks from my yard so it was super tough and withstood a ton of use. (Love that the wheels don't deflate under any circumstances)We got rid of it when we moved across country but I am definitely getting a new one for the new babe and I'm sure my almost 5yo will be riding in it next summer too!

If your kid isn't too tall I would definitely get one.

[NiteNicole]

I would use something like a wagon if it had a push bar like a stroller rather than a pull bar. That *is* a pretty cool wagon, though!

Why hasn't someone thought of that? I can't imagine it would be too difficult to make one with a push bar and I have seen a lot of complaints about the pulling being uncomfortable.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm glad this isn't a crazy idea. We never really used the stroller so we didn't "graduate" to the wagon and I just had no idea. I've only JUST thought that this might be helpful for us.

[AndVeeGeeMakes3]

I've started using a jogging stroller instead of the heavier baby strollers because she's growing, but not able, like your little, to sustain too much at times. I'm like y'all, I don't really want to pull something, and the control is just not there.

[rightkindofme]

We never did a stroller but we love our Radio Flyer OMG huge wagon. We take it to the farmers market (it's about a mile away) and grocery store and completely load it up with a week's worth of groceries. I would feel slightly less comfortable with a folding version because we put so much weight in it.

Pulling it does get hard when it is super heavily laden, but I'm just not a stroller person so this is my option and I deal. I've never found it too onerous.

[rainbowmoon]

I never had any issues at all with the radio flyer. I guess the one we had is called the pathfinder.

http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-Pa...6188490&sr=8-1

[tbone_kneegrabber]

we have a step 2 wagon. Its nice because it also holds a bunch of stuff if you are going somewhere.

[mizzoh]

i don't know the extent in your dd's medical issues, but could she handle a tricycle with a pushbar? that way she does get exercise when she wants, but you can push her when she is too tired. my 4 yo LOVES his tricycle

http://www.amazon.com/Kettler-Kettri...6194681&sr=8-2

[NiteNicole]

She has a trike she loves (and a two wheel bike. Her issue is very specific to her right leg and walking. ONLY walking. She can climb and ride a bike and swim and jump and even walk backwards, but her dystonia is such that she has problems with just walking forward). I have never seen a kid on one of these at a zoo or anything - do they allow that? I hadn't thought about bringing it along for shopping trips. I assume people will think I'm just letting my kid play and get in the way. She hasn't really started to feel self-conscious about it (although now when she has an off day, she is more self-conscious than she used to be) and I'd hate to draw any negative comments that make her start to worry about it or think of herself as different. It is something I'll keep in mind because I can see how it would be very helpful in a lot of situations. Thanks!

Thanks for all the recommendations!

[zeldamomma]

Before you buy anything, you might want to check to see if your zoo has strollers for rent. I've seen big 2 kid jogger type strollers at most of the zoos we've visited, and if you'd only need it for a few outings, renting might be easier than buying it and hauling it along.

Another idea for other outings-- would a scooter be easier than walking? I wouldn't take a scooter into a store, but as long as you're going slow, I think it would be fine for going along a sidewalk, and they fold up really small, so they're easy to bring along.

[mizzoh]

Originally Posted by NiteNicole

I have never seen a kid on one of these at a zoo or anything - do they allow that? I hadn't thought about bringing it along for shopping trips. I assume people will think I'm just letting my kid play and get in the way.

do you mean the trike or wagon? as far as the trike goes, i think you could certainly bring one to the zoo or someplace similar. i take ds (4) all over town on his trike. i've never had anyone give me dirty looks ( usually just smiles!). i don't let him ride it inside a store, though. but outside i don't think there is any problem with it as long as your dd isn't all over the place while she's riding it

[Laggie]

I saw a similar folding wagon at Costco a couple of months ago, although it was designed for groceries it was quite a bit cheaper.

Around here tons of people use wagons for kids that are preschool/kindergarten age.

[Nicole730]

I've seen both the push trikes and the wagons at the zoo, park, amusement parks, fairs, etc... I think a wagon would be a good choice for your family.

[muttmom92]

We use our Radio Flyer wagon a lot. I love it.

[spirit4ever]

I have used the step 2 wagon (someone already posted a link) with the trailor! I love it!!!!!!!!!!

I have been through a few now, but I run a homedaycare and run them into the ground!!!!

btw, I prefer pulling the wagon to pushing the stroller!