So in my determined attempt to get my steps in I started walking my daughter to school. A great idea, but here where the issues:
1. Her school is an hour's walk away,
2. I felt it was unrealistic to expect a 5 year old to walk an hour to and from school (come rain or shine).
3. She's too big for a buggy.
4. She does a lot of classes and her bags for dancing, swimming, ice skating - they are very, very heavy - especially if there are multiple classes on the same day. And lets be honest, I am the one carrying them all.
One solution I came up with was a bike with a front end wagon attached to it. I could find plenty of wagons that attach at the back, but I would only feel comfortable cycling with her within my view and complete control. Despite seeing them quite frequently out and about in Hampstead Heath, I can not find any on the internet under £1500 (which is probably why I only see them in Hampstead!)
Then I found the solution which has (not to be dramatic) CHANGED MY LIFE!
I now walk absolutely everywhere. My steps have gone from 1000-2000 a day to over 20,000.
When I am at dance class, I set her up with cushions and blankets and download a movie for her. She snuggles up in the wagon with her headphones on while I dance and honestly, without it I don't know what I would do.
I no longer have to carry mutliple heavy bag filled with things.
I think of it as a "cot on wheels". A toddler would be able to fully lie down in it.
I have been putting lots of items in my storage unit and that also becomes another walk because I can pack this cart high with items and get a good walk in.
I use it for business by piling all my packages in then strolling on down to the post office.
I use this wagon to do my grocery shop and count the walk back as a workout.
If I walk in to TKMaxx and walk out with several heavy items, I no longer have to call a cab - I just put them in the wagon.
It is a huge conversation starter which has been really nice. The go to is either people stop and stare or they say "Oh can I get in?" and my go to reply is "hell yeah! where do you wanna go?". If that sounds like your worst nightmare, just put some headphones and sunglasses on and ignore the looks of wonder.
I never run out of the essentials as I have packed them all around the wagon. This ranges from snacks and drinks to spare keys, first aid, hairbrush and hairbands, hats, gloves etc.
Walking this much has been transformative to my physical and mental health. My absolute favourite thing now is stocking up the wagon for a big walk - podcasts or a good walking playlist ready to go and get going.
Other times when I have ALOT to do I get the notes app out, set it to speech to talk and talk out all the things I need to get done that day in real detail. By the time I am at the office, I have my whole day planned out and I am ready to go.
FAQs
HOW MANY CHILDREN FIT IN IT?
Two children - each child can be strapped in either side.
TRANSPORT
A BIG question I get is - can you take it on the bus. YES!
London Buses allow two buggies on at a time. There has been many times that I have got on a bus and it takes up the size of one buggy despite being huge. Only one time did a bus driver say "what on earth is that?" and only let me on when he found out I was only going a few stops.
Extras that make my wagon experience perfect:
I have had my buggy organiser since 2021 with my actual buggy and now have transferred it to the wagon. This is where I put my keys, my phones, slim wallet in the zip up etc. Highly recommend.
COFFEE / PHONE HOLDER
RAIN COVER
I like to use the rain cover rain or shine just so she feels all cosy in there but of course it is a neccesity when it is actually pouring. Before buying this rain cover, I was able to excuse walking in the rain (although I will say when we have been caught out in the rain prior to buying the cover, I was the only one who knew about it - Evalina had no idea!)
Although it is not the same brand, this cover fits over the exact style and size of my Wagon perfectly including the little extra holder.
HAND WARMERS
UMBRELLAS
Or if you prefer a stand for your existing umbrella, this is a great choice and can be used for anything from a bike, wheelchair, scooter etc:
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