You’re at the zoo, lugging a toddler on your hip when you realize your arm is going numb. You’ve been carrying “Little Miss Won’t Walk” for what seems like an eternity, and your shoulder desperately needs a break.
Her younger brother pulls on your pant leg, demanding he be carried as well.
“Pick up! Pick me up!”
While pondering how to convince Child 1 to walk independently and gauging your own ability physically (and mentally) to go on like this, you see a family roll by in a stroller wagon.
“What is that thing!?”
No screaming, no arguing, no back aches—just a seamless stroll through the park.
Perhaps you’ve had a similar story, or are desperately trying to avoid the toils of traveling with kids. Either way, it’s brought you here.
You're thinking about a wagon and want to know if it’s worth the investment.
Somewhat new to the parenting world, stroller wagons are an incredible carrier for families with more adventurous lifestyles. In addition to a stroller—or replacing the need for one altogether—there are many reasons why a wagon should be considered among your fleet of baby vehicles.
So, what are the top features to look for in a stroller wagon? We’re glad you asked.
Top Features
- Size – How many kids can fit in it?
- Infant Car Seat Compatibility
- Maneuverability – Ease of Push/Pull
- Portability
- Ease of Folding & Unfolding
- Seating & Footwell
- Sleep System
- Storage
- Easy to Clean
- Canopy/Sunshade
- Accessibility
- Longevity
1. New Kids on the Block – Why Size Matters
First things first, depending on how many children you have you’ll want to choose a proper sized wagon. Most brands offer two-seat or four-seat options. Depending on how big your family is or plans to grow, you’ll want to pick the size that best suits your needs now and in the future.
A larger family will of course require a larger wagon like the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser XL or Cruiser City XL, with seating for up to four. But for smaller families, keep in mind that more space has its advantages, too.
Imagine—two kids sitting on the same side of the wagon while you use the other side for storing groceries. Or maybe the extra space gives cousins and friends the opportunity to hop in for a ride.
If space isn’t a limiting factor, don’t cross a larger wagon off your list just yet. It may end up becoming more to love, even if you only have a tot or two.
2. Infant Car Seat Compatibility
Newborns will require their infant car seat for travel, and not all stroller wagons have the ability to accommodate new additions to the family. It would be a shame for them to miss out on all the fun!
Adapters and attachments come in an array of shapes and sizes, turning your favorite stroller wagon into the ultimate travel system. If your family makeup involves any cutie patooties under 6 months, check if your current infant car seat marries up with a wagon. For some, the option to attach is not available. For others, it’s brand-specific.
More than just the ability to attach an infant car seat, Veer’s Infant Car Seat Adapter allows your littles to experience the adventure in one of four different positions—a feature that’s hard to match.
Be sure not to get caught off guard if your wagon and infant car seat aren’t compatible. Check if the brand you're interested in has a compatibility guide like this.
3. Maneuverability – When Push Comes to Pull
Another feature that’s top of the list—let’s talk about the ease of push and pull. More specifically, does the wagon offer an option to pull, and what does it look like in action? Or with pull wagons, can it also push like a stroller?
One thing that differentiates stroller wagons is the ability to push/pull, and the mechanics involved in doing so. Am I moving to the other side of the wagon? Do I need to take out the kids first before converting?
Not all wagons are built alike, so it’s worth a little investigation. The ability to both push and pull your stroller wagon is ideal—but the ability to switch in an easy, user-friendly way makes all the difference.
Picture this: you’re pushing your wagon (and beautiful family) forward in one direction, when you notice a terrain change up ahead. With some brands you’ll have to stop and convert from push to pull with a few clicks, or with the Cruiser you can drop the handle and swivel the wagon around to pull mode with one hand.
Voilà! Now that’s “all terrain” at its best.
A good wagon should have the ability to turn on a dime, and go everywhere you want to go. Look for large, rugged wheels that are going to stand up to the elements (and the test of time).
Need to go where no other stroller or wagon can go? Consider Veer’s Beach Wheel Kit, allowing for unmatched performance on soft sand and other loose terrain.
You should be surprised by the terrain your wagon can handle, not when your wagon can’t handle unexpected terrain.
The ease and convenience of these push/pull functions are important factors worth considering before you purchase a stroller wagon. Being able to adjust the height of the handlebar, maneuver tight corners and effortlessly switch from push to pull are key to the best wagon experience.
4. Portability – Compact Fold
Like a double stroller jam-packed with features, it doesn’t matter how awesome a wagon is if it’s too big for your vehicle.
“This thing’s great! I just can’t take it anywhere.”
I mean, this is why we’re getting a stroller wagon, right?
You didn’t buy it just to leave it on the sidelines when it's crunch time—you want to have it with you for all your family adventures—but the dimensions of your wagon (even with its body folded) are going to dictate how it gets positioned in the car.
Parents understand that running a quick errand with young children requires a laundry list of essentials. Diapers, drinks, snacks, and so on. The list grows even longer when you embark on real excursions.
Sometimes, a wagon may just squeeze into the car but leave absolutely no room for anything else.
That’s no bueno.
Look for a wagon compact enough to be stored in your car while also allowing space for the family’s other necessities.
What extras can the wagon provide to become even more compact? Perhaps the wheels pop off or other elements are removable or foldable to conserve space. With its footwell pressed in and wheels removed with the push of a button, the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser and Cruiser City can actually fit in the boot of a MINI Cooper.
Are there any other wagon perks that will help your family get on the go? Veer, for example, offers a line of Travel Bags that make traveling with your Cruiser a breeze, from airlines to cruise ships to hotels.
The compactness and overall portability of a wagon can make a huge difference. Even if you mainly plan on using the wagon around your home, think about where it will be stored in-house and make sure the folded size of the wagon will fit there.
5. Ease of Folding and Unfolding
Beyond the dimensions of a folded down wagon, how easy is it to fold and unfold? Does it fold with the press of a button or does it require the jaws of life?
If you can’t get hands-on experience with a wagon you’re interested in, consider familiarizing yourself by watching videos or reading user reviews. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the parking lot, kids loaded in the car, fighting with a wagon you just can’t fold.
“Now how did I do this the first time?”
Folding and unfolding should be simple, quick and intuitive.
6. Seats and Footwells
Not all wagon seating is created equal.
As an adult, you’re typically not the one riding in the wagon (whee!) but more or less the operator. This means seating can be somewhat of an afterthought.
Not all stroller wagons have footwells. (The footwell is the space allotted for your children’s legs.) In other words, they can sit in the wagon in a natural position, and comfortably ride for longer stretches of time.
Many stroller wagons offer three-point harnesses, but safety straps can be a key difference to note from wagon to wagon. The Veer Cruiser converts from a three-point to a five-point safety harness with the addition of the Comfort Seat. With a five-point harness, even toddlers can safely enjoy a wagon ride.
Not all stroller wagons offer both harnesses, and having options that grow with your kids can make a big difference. Choose a wagon with safety straps based on your family needs.
Remember, a comfy rider is a happy rider, and a safe child means a happy parent.
7. Catch Some Z’s
Another great feature to look for is the ability to turn your wagon into the perfect nap zone.
While a good All-Terrain Stroller will offer the ability to recline (or even lay flat like the Switchback Seat), when it’s time for a snooze there is nothing like lying in a natural sleeping position. This is one experience unique to stroller wagons.
Don’t let that tiny head bob around while your kiddos are dozing off in their seats—the perfect wagon could have the ability to become a crib when the time is right.
Wouldn’t it be great to turn your wagon into a JPMA-certified bassinet? Well, dreams can come true. The Nap System for the Veer Cruiser is just that—turning the stroller wagon into the ultimate cozy sleep spot for your precious cargo.
Need to change a diaper on the go? The Nap System also doubles as a private changing station.
A nap system is a game changer for going out with little ones. Longer naps and fewer complaints are a big bonus, especially for families that like to be out and about.
8. Storage Galore
If your child is going to be napping in the wagon, that means they’ll need a blanket, their favorite stuffy and other supplies. Perhaps a white noise machine, a familiar book and a pre-nap bottle of milk.
Do you plan on hitting the beach? Excursions to the sandy shores require lotion, sunglasses and towels at a minimum.
All parents know (or soon realize) that whatever your plans, younger children require you to pack more gear.
You've got devices and toys, jackets and shoes, coffee cups, tumblers, phones and car keys, too.
When you’re in the market for a stroller wagon, consider all the odds and ends your family travels with and make sure the storage is sufficient.
Check for cupholders, baskets, parent organizers, cargo nets and pockets. Is there room for a cooler to keep those snacks and drinks chilled?
Check for the roominess of any potential stroller wagon. See what options are available to increase the capacity if possible. In the end, typically the more space for storage the better. Have you ever heard a parent complain there was too much storage space in their stroller or wagon?
9. Mr. Clean
Did a drink spill everywhere? Have we returned home to find a mudslide in the footwell of the wagon? Let's face it, kids are messy.
Life with children means “happy accidents” are lurking round every corner, and it’s only a matter of time before that new stroller wagon is not looking so new anymore. Spills, sand, muck and mud are eventually going to make their way into your ride, and at some point the stains and gunk cannot be ignored. How easy will it be to clean? Do the soft goods have to be painstakingly removed and machine washed, and will they be easy to put back on? Do you have to get on your hands, knees and back with wipes, or avoid getting metal joints wet and rusty?
The Veer All-Terrain Cruiser and Cruiser City stroller wagons are both completely hose washable, which means oftentimes the solution is as easy as point and shoot.
Look into the washability of your wagon, and realize that it won’t be many adventures before it requires a good cleaning.
10. Canopy
When venturing out into the sun, a canopy is a must to keep those rays at bay.
Does the canopy system cover the side and top of the passengers—or only one or the other? Is the canopy itself collapsible like the wagon?
Look into the canopy and sunshade options and understand how they work with your wagon.
11. Accessibility
In the teeny tiny land of “I want to do it myself”, no help is wanted. Does the wagon allow for toddlers to get in and out on their own? Or would it require you, the parent, to constantly lift them in and out?
Stroller wagons with lower sidewall designs are going to give children freedom to enter and exit on their own, whereas a higher wall design is going to require the help of an adult.
A lower sidewall will allow passengers to interact more with the world around them, while higher walls will feel more like a safe spot to escape.
Depending on your family’s needs, choose the wagon design that best suits your preference and lifestyle.
12. Shelf Life
When you plan on purchasing a stroller wagon, you’re planning on getting many years of use for all your family outings. A good wagon should be constructed of good materials, and stand the test of time.
Think about how long you can use the wagon, and look at it as an investment. Can it be used from crib to crawling to walking to pushing...to moving into a college dorm? Or will it be forgotten in storage after a year?
Consider the resale value of your purchase, and if it has the shelf life to be passed on.
Reflections
Like any big purchase, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research before making a decision.
Not all stroller wagons are built alike. From size to portability to ruggedness, there are a lot of varying characteristics. Which one is going to make the difference?
Consider the makeup of your family and what wagon features are most important to you, now and in the future.
Let your top perks guide your choice to ensure your wagon is everything you want it to be and more!