bigjon's Full Review: The Step2 Company Wagon for 2 Plus
About three and a half years ago, before we had our latest child, we decided to get a wagon for the two kids as "everybody needs a wagon as a child". :D We had done our research on different types of wagons and the different brands and models available and ended up settling on this one made by Step 2.
Features
If you were lucky enough to get one of the models with swivel front wheels (there ended up being two models out under the same model number) then you were in the good. The model with swivel front wheels allowed it to be easily manuvered through crowds and tight spaces. The handle was stationary and the front wheels moved depending on the direction you pushed or pulled the wagon.
This model also featured a door on the side that allowed easy access for the kids, provided they knew how to operate the door. Some models had a sliding lock, others had a spring "teeter totter" lock. Ours was the sliding lock.
Seats were molded into the wagon with a deep well in the middle for their feet. Much more comfortable "sitting position" than flat bottomed wagons of different brands.
Under the back seat was a small flip up lid to a storage container. While it couldn't hold much, it was able to store a few diapers and a small container of wipes.
Molded into the side opposite of the door is a cup holder for sippy cups.
Stationary handle folds down under the wheels of the wagon to reduce space during storage and transport.
Holes in the foot well allow for ease of hosing out wagon.
Optional kit allows for a trailer to be attached to the wagon.
The likes
Our kids loved sitting in the wagon and being strolled around. The molded seats allowed them to sit in it much better than other brand wagons. The sippy cup holders were in perfect reach of them and we were able to store diapers or sometimes snacks in the back storage compartment.
I found the wagon easy to manuver through crowds. The stationary handle made the wagon feel very secure. The swivel wheels allowed the wagon to move whichever direction I needed it. If you put the handle standing up straight agains the front of the wagon, you can actually turn the wagon in a (somewhat larger) 360 degree circle pivoting around the back wheels.
The plastic that the wagon was made of was sturdy and kept it's color well. We did earn a few scratches here and there, but it managed to not get too mangled.
The deep foot well worked in our favor a few times when we were able to fill the well with a diaper bag, then spread a blanket across the two seats and foot well, and allow our son to sleep in it like a rolling bed.
The dislikes
The size. This ain't your old fashioned "red wagon". This thing is pretty large in size due to the fact that the sides are tall enough to allow the children to sit down into the wagon. The wagon could just barely fit into the back of our Dodge Caravan with a little room to spare on either side for bags and gear.
The door. Our model had the sliding lock. With all the plastic parts...things just didn't want to swing or slide the way they should. Our kids could never seem to get the door latched right as when it was opened it would sag just a bit on the hinge, meaning that to close it you had to gently lift the door to get it to line up again. Our kids quickly learned how to exit via climbing over the side.
The wheels. While the swivel wheels were great for manuvering, we found over time as the kids got bigger, that the metal brackets began to slowly bend apart. This wasn't such a huge deal, but it's definitely a warning sign telling you that your kid is getting too big for the wagon...or at least the front seat.
The foot well. Once your kids get to a decent size, they begin to realize that they can't both fit their feet into the foot well and try to keep them still at the same time. The limited space in the foot well made for a lot of squeals, kicked shins, and "moooom!" yells.
Infants. They do not work well in this thing. XD Don't even bother trying. They have to be able to sit up on their own and be able to counter the side to side movement of taking turns. This means you have a wagon and a stroller until everyone can sit in the wagon.
Room for two. There's only two spots. Three kids? One has to walk.
Sunny day. No canopy! My only big beef with this wagon. It was a great wagon...but when it came to sunny or rainy days...they were left out in the open. We soon upgraded to another Step 2 model that featured a canopy.
The conclusion
Great wagon, it got us through a few years of zoo trips, walks, and worked as great seating for parades. There were a few things I wished it could do or have, but overall we were happy with the model and the features it offered. Step 2 definitely makes a sturdy product. We ended up selling our wagon to another family after purchasing a newer wagon a few years later. The wagon was still in great condition.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99 Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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