"Weeks ago, my 3-year-old and I celebrated my niece’s first day of kindergarten by accompanying her on her walk to school. The two cousins bounded ahead predictably, all giggles and bouncing pigtails, expending more energy than I thought it was possible to possess. And though our walk was just five blocks, my little one deflated the instant we turned around to come home. I should not have been surprised. Without her cousin to challenge her, she simply lost the drive to walk—or to move at all.
If you’ve ever been forced to carry a preschooler for any length of time, then you feel my pain. Yet, as my youngest grows, she refuses the stroller more and more, to the point where it is now permanently parked in the garage. To get by—and relieve my burning muscles when my kid runs out of steam—I searched for stroller alternatives even a wanna-be big kid can get behind. Scroll to read about seven of the best ones I found.
This durable wagon is as safe and comfortable as a stroller (5-point harnesses, a removable sun shade and canopy, and faux leather handles that offer push or pull versatility) and is in a wagon format that even big kids will love.
Purchasing kids' gear that grows with our little ones is a smart, affordable, and eco-friendly way to outfit our families for the small-kid phase. This product transforms from parent-pushed transport to traditional tricycle with a few simple changes.
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When you can't cart your child around the neighborhood by stroller, upgrade to this big-kid-friendly bike trailer instead. This affordable option attaches to any standard adult bike, essentially making it a two-seater.
We love the versatility this ride-on/push cart/scooter trio provides. Go from parent-powered assist to free-wheeling scooting whenever your little one's independent streak strikes.
A perfect solution to the two-kid conundrum, this universal stroller attachment allows an older kid to hitch a ride on the back of any stroller while their younger sibling is secured inside.
For kids not quite ready for bike-riding, scooting is nearly as fast and fun. This award-winning toddler scooter by Micro Kickboard has three configurations for kids from ages 1 to 5.
Plus, if they decide they're done scooting and ready to walk, these are a lot more manageable to tote home.
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Nothing beats the look of a classic Radio Flyer wagon. With its slim metal cargo area and cherry red paint job, this is an item that has always mastered the marriage of form and function.
