I’d like to pride myself on thinking long-term and being wise with the large purchases I make. So in 2018 when we were expecting Baby #1, I decided on an UppaBaby Vista. While a pricey stroller, it also came with the bassinet which my baby slept in exclusively for 4 months. The convenience of going on a walk or strolling in the house to lull the baby to sleep and then wheeling her into the bedroom was truly priceless. I was so committed to this single to double stroller that I even bought the rumble seat despite only carrying one baby – these strollers have yearly models like a car and I was not about to find myself in a position unable to find a second seat when we did have a second child.
This bassinet was a bed for 2 kids, 4 months each. Has been to 8 states and even traveled internationally. It’s carried my groceries in the bottom basket during quick trips and been to the zoo more times than I can count. The miles this stroller has traveled is remarkable. Truly one of the best purchases I’ve made for my sanity and family’s sake.
Fast forward to now expecting baby #3 and I found myself wondering what to do about my 3.5-year-old, who despises walking even short distances, and 1.5-year-old with another on the way. Do I baby wear the newborn for a couple of months before kicking the oldest out of the stroller? Can I make the oldest ride on a piggyback board attachment? Would she go for that?
That’s when I found the Wonderfold Wagon – a stunningly large wagon that can fit up to 4 children. I first saw this wagon at the Houston Children’s Museum and I was so impressed. The amount of space it had, not only for the children but to lug around all the stuff was insane. I searched for it later online only to find the price tag and feel immediate guilt. There was no way I could see myself spending another $900 on a wagon.
Yet, after much debate, feeling like my family needs were changing, the use I got from the stroller, and realizing my oldest is nowhere near voluntarily walking, I ordered this wagon (with a 20% off sale). I have zero regrets. Ok, so baby #3 isn’t quite here yet, but the wagon has so much space to hold all of our swim stuff, snacks, diapers, and everything in between. The canopy above provides nice shade for the kids while keeping them contained on the go. They love the bench seats and I love the storage under the bench seats.
While I’ve just used the wagon as is currently, there is a whole world of wagon hacks. Weatherproof mats (either from Wonderfold or knock-off versions), bathtub tray converted to snack tray, parent consoles, full canopy covers made from nursing covers for even more shade, cargo nets attached to the sides to lug even more stuff, dog beds for a wagon base for a plush space to nap. I did already purchase the mosquito net from Wonderfold, a necessity in South Louisiana and will transform the wagon into a mobile pack and play for tailgating season.
Although I still consider myself in the testing phase of the wagon, I can already say I’m sold on it. The kids love using the “secret door” to climb into the Wagon on their own, buckling their babies in the extra seats and going on daily outings with it. I highly recommend it to anyone who uses their stroller regularly. Over the next few weeks, I plan to assess which hacks and accessories will make my life easier. I still plan to use my UppaBaby Stroller when the third child comes, as each will have its different benefits. But thinking long term, this wagon should have me covered for a while.
