Wagons offer different ways for your child to become creative. They can use them indoors or outdoors, depending on your plans for their playtime session. Have a look at this little tikes vs radio flyer wagon comparison review to see which would suit your child best.
My top recommendation is the 3-In-1 EZ Folding Wagon from Radio Flyer. The reason is you can transform it to suit different purposes. Thus, it serves as a fun wagon, as well as a functional one.
My Top Picks
- Best for multiple functions – Radio Flyer 3951Z 3-In-1 EZ Folding Wagon with Canopy
- Best for simplicity – Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon
In case you would like to go through other varieties, my previous article covers more wagon options.
What are the Little Tikes and Radio Flyer wagons
Child wagons can serve a variety of purposes. It could be to move around with your child or carry supplies like toys. In case you would like to browse other varieties for your child, my previous article covers more wagon options. Depending on your child’s age, in that article you’ll get to read about some of the best wagons for kids and toddlers. In this review I’ll be focusing on just two very popular ones.
Main features – similarities and differences
Cost
It’s essential you know what you’re willing to spend on your child’s wagon. With that in mind, you can choose to either buy a cheap or expensive option. Out of these two wagon options in this review, the Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon is the more affordable model.
Portability
With children’s toys, you need options you can comfortably carry with you. That way you can travel to visit relatives and friends with your child’s toys easily. Both brands’ wagons are portable options for parents. Place the handle inside the Little Tikes, and fold up the Radio Flyer option to make them easy to carry.
Safety features
Some wagons offer you the option of carrying your child around. For such varieties, having harnesses and raised panels could help ensure your child’s safety while they’re inside. They could also have brakes to keep them from moving without parental supervision. The Radio Flyer wagon comes with two seat belts for its passengers.
Frame material
To have a durable wagon, the materials used must be sturdy. The Little Tikes version is made of hard plastic to keep it from breaking easyly. On the other hand, the Radio Flyer wagon contains steel poles to help give it a solid frame. Here’s a video demonstration by a father on the Radio Flyer wagon.
Type of wheels
Toys with wheels come in two types: either air-filled tires or hard plastic ones. Choose your wagon based on where your child will use it. For rough terrain, air-filled tires work best. Both wagons in this post come with hard plastic wheels. These are rugged enough for outdoor and indoor use.
Weight capacity
Do you need a wagon with a high or low weight capacity? To carry only toys, Little Tikes option might do. However to hold more objects or even more than one child, go for the one from Radio Flyer, . It can hold up to 150 pounds.
Canopy
Having a wagon with a canopy can serve different purposes. It can shield your child from the sun, or even a light unexpected drizzle. An adjustable canopy can also protect toys from exposure to the same elements if your child was playing outdoors. Out of these two, only the Radio Flyer comes with a removable canopy.
Added features
Getting a wagon with added features is always a welcome surprise. With the Radio Flyer wagon, you’ll get padded seats, a storage pouch, and two cup holders.
Little Tikes vs Radio Flyer wagon – which one to choose?
Since these two wagons differ from each other very much, it’s best you first have an idea of what you need. Would you like something mainly for your child’s comfort? Do you need a version that can carry heavy loads? Your wagon needs will determine the ideal model for you to consider.
Radio Flyer 3951Z 3-In-1 EZ Folding Wagon with Canopy
Product information
- Product dimensions: 42.91×20.47×41.73 inches
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Material: Fabric, Metal, Plastics
- Color: Red
Why it’s a good option
For parents that need more than just a toy wagon, you should consider this one from Radio Flyer. You can use it to carry your child, carry toys around, and also as a bench. It’s a big wagon that can accommodate up to two toddlers with ease. The seats are padded, ensuring your child’s comfort during their ride. You can also use it to ferry your little one’s toys from one area to another. Hauling belongings is also easy for kids as you can adjust the handle to suit their height. When your child needs to relax, unzip one of the wagon’s sides to create a bench. The frame is a sturdy metallic build that holds up well. With the retractable canopy, you can go for strolls even on hot days. For keeping smaller items, the back of the wagon has a pouch with a zipper.
Who it’s suitable for
It’s ideal for 18-month-old children and above.
Pros
- Comes with two sets of seatbelts
- Can hold up to 150 pounds
- It’s collapsible for quick storage
- Portable when folded
Cons
- Wheels sometimes become loose
Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon
Product information
- Product dimensions: 20.38×11.63×9.00 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Red
Why it’s a good option
Add a fun edge to your child’s play sessions with this one from Little Tikes. From the name you can tell that it’s a smaller-sized wagon. As such, you cannot use it to pull your kids around. The play wagon doesn’t come with too many parts, so assembly is quick. It’s made entirely of plastic. Therefore, younger toddlers won’t have a problem pulling it around. It’s ideal for use both outdoors and indoors. The wheels are rugged enough to suit different outdoor terrains. While indoors, pulling it won’t damage the floors. In case your child makes the wagon dirty, you can quickly wipe it clean. Shorter parents can also use it to move toys around for their kids.
Who it’s suitable for
Suitable for children with a minimum of 18 months and up.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable for small children to pull around
- Can hold more than it weighs
- Sturdy build
- You can place the handle into the wagon for storage
- Lightweight
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor play sessions
Cons
- It can only carries toys
Conclusion
Wagons come in all shapes and sizes to give parents adequate options for their young ones. You may not even know what you need before looking at the available options. That’s why this review only looks at two options. You can go for the Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon, to help your child build their imagination while also improving their motor skills. The 3-in-1 Radio Flyer wagon, on the other hand, enables you to be a part of the fun. It’s also an excellent choice for parents with more than one child. The fact that it’s roomy also makes it exceptional for keeping all of your child’s favorite toys close to them during playtime sessions.
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
