Stroller wagons are a new hybrid between traditional pushchairs and children’s wagons. It combines the practicality of a folding trolley and the safety of quadruple or dual pushchair, offering a safe and versatile solution for transporting multiple children. These versatile vehicles have become increasingly popular for group outings, but they come with challenges unique to their category since very few stroller wagons meet the stringent UK and EU pushchair safety regulations, which is a critical consideration for nurseries and childminders.
“Nurseries and childminders have a strict duty of care outlined in their insurance policies. To uphold this responsibility, they must use only compliant products to ensure the safety of the children in their care and protect their business.” Says Monty Kass, a Director at Petit Wagon.
Children at Kidzrus Nursery in Swinton are having a business meeting while sitting face-to-face in the Beetle.
A fresh perspective on transport
The Beetle is setting new standards for group outings, combining safety, convenience, and social interaction, it stands out from traditional pushchairs. Its face-to-face seating encourages children to engage with one another, while the elevated seating provides a better view of their surroundings, enriching every outdoor experience.
Could this innovative approach transform group outings? According to Mark Shotton of Tynemouth Nursery, a setting near parks and beaches, the answer is a resounding yes:
‘The children are clearly comfortable as they have ample opportunity to see everything around them due to the clever design of the canopy arms – no intrusive beams just slender telescopic stalks to allow the children to see the world around them. The purpose of the walk was to look for colours in nature, see falling leaves, the sights the smells of a nature walk, and the wagon allowed to do this with aplomb.’
But how does it handle real-world challenges, such as steep inclines or tight turns? Shotton shares a recent outing to a local park:
‘The staff set off to visit a park with steep banks and tight turns. The praise for the wagon’s dual handles couldn’t be higher—easy to navigate and share the load, making it safer. The manoeuvrability of the wagon is second-to-none. One of the staff members wax-lyricized that the wagon was ‘surprisingly light considering it had four children aboard.’”
Practicality meets innovation
How do nurseries handle the challenges of transporting older children or those with SEND? Despite its lightweight design at just 17kg, the Beetle boasts a robust load capacity of 150kg and a spacious interior, making it an ideal solution for managing mixed age groups. Its versatility accommodates older children who have outgrown standard pushchairs, and children with mild-to-moderate special needs, providing a practical and inclusive option for childcare providers.
One reviewer on Trustpilot highlighted how the Beetle supports emergency preparedness: “From a safety perspective, I bought the wagon prams with an additional use in mind: as baby evacuation trollies. When practicing a fire drill, children were easily transferred, and it was a smooth process.”
Designed to endure Scotland's challenging weather and rugged terrains, the Beetle features airless wheels and a detachable roof with built-in rain cover panels, offering full protection against rain, wind, and harmful sunrays. This thoughtful design not only shields children from the elements but also creates a cozy environment, making outings comfortable and enjoyable in any weather.
‘The Beetle is such a great addition to our nursery,’ shares Gina Lewis from Grandir UK Rushden. ‘They can see the world whilst still being sociable with each other as they’re facing each other. The Bettle is so lightweight, it makes it effortless to push even with four children in. In terms of the weather, it provides great shade in the summer and a rain cover for those more wet days.’
Children enjoy an outing in the Beetle at Kidzrus Nursery, Swinton.
A new standard for nursery transport
Through their innovative work, the Petit Wagon team has created a product that shines a spotlight on the vital contributions of early years educators. The customisable panels allow nurseries to integrate their branding, turning the Beetle into a moving daily advertisement that captures attention from the community. As one reviewer on Trustpilot attests, ‘We get lots of compliments from parents and the community. The wagon makes outings enjoyable, and the children love being at a height where they can see everything.’
While Petit Wagon has undoubtedly set a new standard in nursery transport, what challenges remain in creating the perfect transport solution?
The Beetle is currently suitable only for children aged six months and older who can sit without head support, limiting its use for younger infants. This restriction poses challenges for some families and childcare providers. Monty Kass, Director at Petit Wagon, comments:
‘We designed the Beetle with a focus on handiness and sturdiness to accommodate all children, especially those who have outgrown traditional pushchairs. At the moment, the Beetle is not ideal for infants, so we’ll be introducing car seat and carrycot accessories to accommodate all ages. We’re definitely not short of ideas!’
The Beetle has undoubtedly set a new standard in nursery transport. But as the needs of childcare providers continue to evolve, will Petit Wagon successfully expand its inclusivity and utility for even the youngest of children? The next steps could further cement its place as a key innovation for childcare providers across the UK.
Learn more
To explore the innovative features of the Beetle and discover how Petit Wagon is redefining childcare mobility, visit their website at http://www.petitwagon.com/
