Babies & Kids Blog

Monday, I showed you how to shop for a tricycle. Today I am sharing my top 3 tricycles for all price ranges.

Barbie Princess Tough Trike $25.00

Don’t let Barbie fool you, she’s a tough chick and she’s got the trike to prove it! At $25 bucks you just can’t beat this one.

Styled for a princess, yet tough enough for years of fun and adventure! Girls can hop to troll around their entire kingdom. Trike features a pretend key that turns and clicks, and there’s a secret storage compartment under the comfort-ride seat for trinkets and treasures. Durable tires and rugged treads pair up for “off-road” fun. Trike has all the essentials that parents look for, too, like a wide, stable wheel base, easy-grip handlebars and big no-slip foot pedals. For outdoor use only. Holds up to 55 lbs.

Radio Flyer 53 Steer & Stroll Deluxe Trike $65.14

Innovative internal geared steering feature, freewheeling pedals, oversized steel tubular frame, durable molded wheels with grip tread, ringing bell, covered storage, adjustable seat.

This is one sturdy trike. The push handle is a bonus and it has a bell too! That could be awesome….or obnoxious. You decide!

Pilot Series Double Orange Tricycle $264.99

If you have twins, or run a daycare this may be the trike for you!

Italtrike’s Pilot Series Double Orange Tricycle is perfect for preschool and daycare students ages two to four years old – right at the age where kids need the freedom to move around and explore on their own. Up to two children sit comfortably on the ergonomic seats with backrests. The special steering design eliminates pinch points to prevent playground injuries, and the wide wheel base prevents tipping. Pilot Series trikes feature sturdy steel frames, rust-resistant finishes and spokeless wheels with solid rubber tires, so they’re safe and durable.

Shop for discount tricycles at Smarter.com.

Warmer weather is finally here, and with that comes outdoor fun!  A wagon can bring years of joy to any family, but with so many to choose from with varying options, shopping for one can be a daunting task.  Here are some ideas to help you narrow down your list:

What is your budget?

A basic no frills wagon can be found for around fifty bucks.  A top of the line version with all the bells and whistles can run you upwards of $200.  How long will the wagon be in your family?  If your family is young and you plan on having more children, you may want to invest more in a wagon that will last as long as your family uses it.  On the other hand, if your children are older and will only be able to ride for a couple of years, you may want to steer clear of all of the pricey features and add-ons.  Most wagon manufacturers recommend children aged 18 months - 4 years old be allowed to ride in a wagon.  Having a good idea of how long you will actually use the wagon can help you narrow down the best deal for your family.

Metal or Plastic?

The classic red metal Radio Flyer wagon has a cool retro look to it but the short sides can make riding around with babies and young toddlers a little nerve wracking.  Radio Flyer has addressed this problem with a variation on the classic by offering a model with 50% higher sides.  As an added bonus they have also made the handle longer so us taller folks don’t have to break our backs dragging the kids all over the ‘hood.

Radio Flyer Big Red Classic All Terrain Wagon: $142.94

If you prefer metal, you should be cautious about storing the wagon in the direct sunlight–nobody wants a burned tush!  Also, most metal wagons are not contoured for little bodies and may not be as comfortable as the plastic versions.

Plastic is a very popular choice.  The smooth rounded corners are easier on the kids when they are getting in and out.  Many models, like this one from Step 2, include a side door.  A plastic wagon can be hard to repair and if left out in the sun, you can expect some fading.

Step2: Wagon for Two Plus - Willow Green: $52.32

What are your must have features?

Think about when you and the kids hop in the car and run to the store.  What do you take with you?  Chances are, you’ll be loading up your wagon with the same stuff.  Does Junior need a drink and a snack and his favorite book?  Do you frequently babysit the neighbor kid?  Does your daughter refuse to leave home without 12 of her very favorite stuffed animals?

Many wagons now include at least one cup holder.  Step 2 offers a trailer that you can add on to your wagon for more carrying capability.  Do you have little one that burns easily (like I do!)?  You may want to choose a wagon with a canopy to keep the sun’s harmful rays off of your little one’s precious skin.

Voyager Canopy Wagon:  $119.99

Finally, where do you plan on taking your wagon? 

If you’ll be sticking to the city sidewalks, the type of tires on your wagon is probably not a huge concern.  If you’re into camping and hitting the nature trails, you may want something with all terrain tires.  Wagons with real air tires provide a smoother, more quiet ride when you’re off the pavement.

With all of this information, hopefully you’re a little closer to choosing a wagon for your family that will bring many treasured memories.  Happy cruising!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more kids’ wagons.

I adore vintage baby toys.  Especially red wagons or vintage ride-on vehicles like this retro ride-on rocket.   Gosh, even after your chid grows out of it, it’s nice to be able to hand vintage style toys down to either siblings or other family members.  I love that they keep making them in this style and  the fact that this ride-on toy is on sale for $10 off!

Radio Flyer Retro Rocket: $69.95 Now: $59.95

Shop for more ride-on vehicle toys.
Buy Radio Flyer ride-ons.