In a market with more than 70 brands of toddler wagons, I have spent more than 50 hours comparing and testing various specs to find the overall best toddler wagons parents can choose from in 2022. Wagons have really stood the test of time. You probably have your old red toddler wagon lying around somewhere in your parent’s garage. And the reason the wagon is still around is that they make life so much easier for the parents and are so fun for kids.
As a parent, trips to the beach, parks, or market become so much easier with a wagon because you can bring along your child, all their essentials, and extra stuff at once.
Second, kids enjoy being carried in a wagon; they can sit upright to enjoy a better view of the surroundings.
Third, kids love using wagons for play, and in the process, it helps them build muscles and increase strength. Small children enjoy putting toys and small items inside and pull the wagons around while the bigger kids use the wagon to carry each other around the neighborhood.
As you can see, you need one of these workhorses. Luckily today’s wagons have so much more to offer. Here in this review, we guide you on how to get the best one for your family and even include a DIY guide if you are up to it.
How to pick the best wagon for toddlers
When looking for the best toddler wagon for your family, here are some things to consider:
Size
Most wagons can accommodate one or two kids, but some have room for three, four, or even five kids. If you want to carry multiple children, you need to check the dimensions and the weight limit. Usually, wagons have a weight capacity range of about 100 to 300 pounds.
Safety
You want to make sure your child is safe during rides. The best wagons have a five-point harness for better safety, but others have a three-point harness. Before buying, ensure the wagon has seat belts at the very least. If a wagon doesn’t have designated seats with seat belts, then it’s only ideal for hauling things around and not for children. Brakes are also important because they help keep the wagon from rolling away on its own when stopped.
Maneuverability
One of the most important features of a wagon is the wheels. If you plan on using your wagon on pavements and sidewalks and around your home, foam or air tires will do. But, if going to the beach or rough terrains, you need thicker, air-filled rubber tires.
Extra features
Wagons come with many useful features such as a canopy, storage pockets, cup holders, flatbeds, cushioned seats, foldable design, adjustable handlebars, etc. Decide what features are important to you, and then see which wagon has the most to offer.
Comparison Table of Top Toddler Wagon Brands in the Market
If you don’t want to get into all the details, here is a comparison table for a quick glance
| Name of wagon | Weight capacity | Remark | Features | Price |
| Keenz 7 Stroller Wagon | 110 lbs. | Best wagon with canopy | 5 point harness Tons of accessories 10 position adjustable handle Lockable front swivel wheels with brake Canopy with drapes and peek-a-boo window | Check Price |
| Radio Flyer 3-In-1 Cargo Wagon | 150 lbs. | Best for a wagon with a seat belt | Two seat belts Converts into a bench seat All-terrain tires(optional)Canopy (optional) Cup holders Foldable design | Check Price |
| Wonderful Multi-FunctionalFour Passenger Wagon | 280 pounds | Best wagon for four kids | Seating for four Tons of storage Detachable storage Canopy with net5 point harness Foot brake Minimal assembly Foldable | |
| Step 2 All Around Canopy Wagon | Best wagon for two | Spacious interior Rear wagon storage Seats flip to convert into a flatbedDetachable canopy | Check Price |
Reviews of our top-rated Toddler Wagon Brands(4.5+/5)
Toddler wagon with canopy/umbrella/cover- Keenz 7s Stroller Wagon
Keenz is a superior wagon brand, and we are glad that it includes all the accessories you need. For one, it has the best-in-class detachable canopy that will protect your child from sun and rain. Moreover, the canopy has drapes on the sides for privacy and mesh peekaboo on the top. Other nice accessories include a cooler, a cup holder, storage pockets, mesh pockets for the shoes, and a storage bag.
This wagon is spacious enough for two kids, with a limit of up to 110 pounds. It has two 5 point harnesses to secure your children and comfortable faux leather handles on each end. The handles adjust to 10 different positions allowing you to pull or push your kids from place to place comfortably.
The wagon is easy to maneuver with lockable front wheels. The front wheels also have a brake for additional safety. Once you are done with your outing, you can fold the wagon for storage.
Pros
- Five-point harness
- Plenty of accessories
- Generous canopy with side drapes
- Foldable design
- Removable padded interior for washing
Cons
- Bulky even when folded, it won’t fit regular car trunks
- Not suitable for rough and bumpy surfaces
Toddler wagon with seat belts- Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Cargo Wagon
This wagon has two seats with seat belts to keep your kids safe and secure during rides. It’s really unique from the rest in that when not in motion, you can unzip the side to convert it into a bench seat. This gives you and your toddler a place to sit and rest as you enjoy the view and hang out at the park or at a sporting event.
There are three versions of the Radio Flyer 3-in-1. One is the lovely Camo featured above which has thicker all-terrain rubber tires but no canopy. The other is a red off-road version which has foam wheels but with a canopy. So that’s something to keep in mind.
Whether it’s transporting your kids, groceries, or other stuff, you don’t have to worry about the weight as this wagon can haul up to 150 pounds. It also comes with two cup holders and a rear storage pouch. When not in use, the wagon folds down on one hand for easy storage and can fit in any car trunk.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Quick one-handed and small fold
- Cup holders are a nice addition
- The bench seat is cool
Cons
- No canopy on the off-road and all-terrain versions
- Parents fear that the lack of frames on the walls makes the wagon not very safe
Toddler wagon for beach-Creative Outdoor Foldable Wagon
The Creative Outdoor foldable wagon is made with a heavy-duty steel frame, durable denier fabrics, and has all terrains wheels that cruise through the sand, dirt roads, grassy areas without getting stuck. The wide front 360-degree swivel wheels make it ideal for all your trips to the beach. It has a maximum weight capacity of 150 pounds.
It provides two seats that are fitted with a 3 point harness to keep your kids safe during rides. In addition, both of its handles are adjustable, enabling you to find the most comfortable position for your height when pulling and pushing.
The wagon is super easy to use- just unfold and enjoy. It also folds down and comes with a storage sleeve. There is also a removable canopy and flip open side storage pockets for your drinks, keys, phone, wallet, and other small items.
Pros
- Sturdy, durable construction
- All-terrain, 360 degrees swivel wheels for easy maneuvering
- Easy to maneuver
- Removable liner for washing and removing sand
- Comes with a canopy
- Comes with a travel storage sleeve
Cons
- Most of the other accessories that would make it more functional are sold separately.
Toddler wagon for 4 – Wonderfold Multi-Function Four Passenger Wagon
The Wonderful is a really big wagon and with a capacity of 280 pounds, it is able to carry up to four toddlers. It has heavy-duty wheels made from soft rubber for a smooth maneuvering and comfortable ride. In addition, it provides you with tons of space to pack your food, drinks, coats, diapers, blankets, and any other stuff you might want to bring along.
The wagon provides comfortable seating with tall chairs and a canopy to keep your kids protected from the sun as they enjoy the ride. You can remove the canopy as well and even add a net to keep bugs away. The wagon seats are equipped with five-point harnesses to keep your kids safe and secured. In addition, the wagon has a one-step foot brake to keep it from rolling away accidentally for additional safety.
The wagon has an easy folding mechanism so that in just seconds, one can collapse the entire thing. This makes it easy to store and transport. We also loved that hardly any assembly is needed, so your eagerly waiting kids can hop in and enjoy within no time.
Pros
- Great for a growing family with seating for four
- Quick folding for easy storage
- Super easy assembly
- Five-point safety harness
- Comes with a detachable canopy
Cons
- The wagon is still large when folded and might not fit small cars
- Doesn’t handle bumps too well
Toddler wagon for 2 – Step2 All Around Canopy Wagon
This wagon has a very spacious interior and will comfortably transport your two kids (from 18 months to 10 years), their essentials, and extra stuff. There are four molded-in cup holders so your kids can have their drinks within reach and a storage shelf for snacks. There is a storage compartment on the rear for the extra stuff.
This wagon is super easy to push and maneuver on paved surfaces and flat terrains, and kids can easily climb in and out on their own because it sits low to the ground. There is a door with a latch and seat belts to ensure your kids are safe and secure during rides.
The wagon has versatile seating where the seats can be set to have your child riding on one side, and the tray on the opposite side, or they can flip upside down to transform into a flatbed with storage compartments. It also has a detachable canopy to protect your kids from the sun or rain.
Keep in mind that this wagon doesn’t fold down. At best, you can remove the canopy and fold the handle underneath it, but even then, it might not fit if you have a small car trunk.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Smooth gliding and easy to maneuver
- Safety latch on the door
- Seat belts for safety
- Plenty of storage
- Comes with a canopy
- Seats flip down to create a flatbed
- Great pricing
Cons
- Not the easiest to assemble
Toddler Wagon Buyer Guide and DIY
DIY toddler wagon
If you pride yourself in being handy, this is a project that could take you a few hours, but in the end, you will have a handsome wagon that even your kids will love.
Materials
- 2x4x8 board (1)
- 1x8x8 board (2)
- Scrap piece of 1×2 or 1×3 for wagon handle
- Eye Bolts with 1″ inside diameter (2)
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Corner brackets (optional)
- Kreg clamp
- 1¼ inch pocket hole screws
- 2½ inch pocket hole screws
- Kreg 320 pocket hole jig
- Set of 4 casters
Cut board Pieces
- (2) 2×4 @ 25″ long (wagon base)
- (2) 2×4 @ 9″ long (wagon base)
- (2) 1×8 @ 23 ½″ long (box bottom)
- (2) 1×8 @ 25″ long (box sides)
- (2) 1×8 @ 14 ½″ (box sides)
Process
Step 1: Assembling the base of the wagon
Cut wood board pieces down to the sizes above.
Adjust the pocket hole jill to drill 1½ thick material, then drill pocket holes into the two short sides of the pieces you have just cut. (To adjust, simply slide the stop blocks on the backside of the jig to the correct thickness, adjust the collar on the drill bit, and drill.)
Join the boards together to form the frame of the wagon bottom using 2 ½ inch pocket hole screws.
Attach the four casters on the corners of the frame using 1¼ inch screws
Step 2: Joining the bottom of the wagon box
Cut two boards from the 1 x 8 boards and adjust the pocket hoe jig to ¾ inches thick material
Join the boards using the pocket holes and screws.
Step 3: Assembling the wagon box
With the bottom board assembled, you only need four boards for the wagon sides from the remaining 1 x 8 boards.
Drill ¾ inch pocket holes along the outside edges of the bottom box piece and the ends of the short box side pieces, as shown below.
Join all the pieces using the 1 ¼ inch pocket hole screws like below to complete the wagon box.
Step 4: Attaching the wagon box to the wagon base
Screw the box to the base at each corner using 1 ¼ inch screws
Step 5: Adding the handle to the wagon
Drill two holes into the base and screw the eye bolts into the holes.
Insert a dowel rod through the bolts, as shown below
Screw a 1 x2 scrap piece into the dowel
Screw another small piece of the dowel into the top of the handle for a comfortable grip.
Step 6: Paint your cart or add any decorative hardware you want to your wagon.
FAQs
What is the best wagon for toddlers?
There is no single best wagon for every family as wagons are quite different in functionality. To get the best one for you, you need to consider things like how many kids you need to carry in the wagon, the kind of place or terrain you will be taking the wagon, how easily you are able to use and store and if it has features that address your specific needs. From our review above, you can get the best for your family because we have listed only the best in the market.
Are collapsible toddler wagons safe for toddlers?
Yes, collapsible wagons are very safe for your kids. They are usually sturdy and have harnesses or seat belts to ensure your kids stay safe and secure during rides. Collapsible wagons are even more advantageous in that they fold up for easier storage in your car trunk or garage. If you are planning on a foldable wagon, just make sure that it can fit inside your car trunk once folded.
Can infants of 12 months or less use toddler wagons?
Most toddler wagons are recommended for children 18 months and older, but some allow children above 6 months. The important thing to keep in mind is that for a child to use a wagon; they need to be able to sit up independently during rides. Also, be sure to buckle their seat belts snugly around their waist to keep them safe and secure during the ride.
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Mary Stephens is our infant development and baby fun activities specialist here at Motherhood HQ. She has over 10 years of experience dealing with kids, previously as a K3 teacher and now as a K9-12 teacher specializing in physical education and Social Studies. She is certified to teach in New York and Massachusetts and when not teaching trampoline jump tricks or giving toddler safety guides, she enjoys writing and providing helpful guides to parents on baby fun activities from infancy to toddlerhood. Mary is also an independent consultant providing parents with fun activities at home and appropriate toys and baby gear for infants and toddler development. She can be reached at her email, mary.s(at)motherhoodhq.com.