Pull-Along Carts

Handcart buying guide: the best wagons for childcare

Handcarts are incredibly practical in everyday life with children – whether for day trips with a nursery group or a shopping tour with your daycare kids. But not all handcarts are the same. In this buying guide, you’ll discover the key differences between popular models and what really matters when choosing the right cart.

1. Differences at a glance: comparing handcarts
2. Who benefits most from buying a handcart?
3. Which handcart is best? 5 key buying criteria

1. The differences: handcarts compared

Handcarts are pull-along wagons that are ideal for use in childcare. They reliably transport both children and equipment. Most models are designed to be pulled; some also feature a push handle so they can be both pulled and pushed. This is useful if you want to keep your nursery children in view on outings. But do you really need this function just to transport drinks for a school trip to the forest? Instead of focusing on a test winner, think carefully about how you’ll use your cart. Depending on the purpose, different features make sense.

Our types of handcarts compared:

Sturdy wooden handcarts: Classic carts with wooden side panels and a powder-coated steel frame. They are generally very durable and extremely robust – perfect for transporting equipment and for occasional trips to zoos and leisure parks.

Soft handcarts: These modern wagons have a robust metal frame covered with fabric and are significantly lighter than classic wooden models. Their low weight makes them more manoeuvrable and easier to handle – ideal for daily use by childminders, nurseries, kindergartens or primary schools.

Folding handcarts: Foldable wagons are extremely practical if you travel by car a lot. They can be unfolded and folded again in just a few steps and fit into almost any car boot. A drawback: foldable models are often not quite as robust as solid wooden or fabric carts.

2. Who should invest in a handcart?

Investing in a good handcart pays off if you no longer want your group to carry everything in rucksacks. Here’s how you can use a cart:

• Childminders: Shopping trips in town, local outings
• Nursery/kindergarten: Trips into town, to the beach, the forest or the playground
• Schools: Forest days, transport of teaching materials
• Zoos and leisure parks: Renting out handcarts is an attractive additional source of income.
• Hotels and holiday resorts: Travel carts for families to explore the area make holidays unforgettable and strengthen guest loyalty.

3. Which handcart is best? 7 key buying criteria

When choosing a handcart, pay attention to safety, design and flexibility. These are the 7 most important criteria for institutions:

1. Dimensions: How big is the cart? How many children can it carry? What are its dimensions when folded? Where will it be stored? Does it fit in the car boot?
2. Weight: How heavy is the cart? Does it need to be carried into a basement? A low dead weight reduces strain on childminders and staff in nurseries and daycare centres.
3. Load capacity: What will you transport? How heavy are all the children who will ride in it at the same time?
4. Tyres: The tyres determine which surfaces the cart can handle. Where is your group most often out and about? Pneumatic tyres cushion uneven ground better; solid rubber tyres are more hard-wearing. If you plan to use the cart on the beach, check the manufacturer’s information.
5. Accessories: If your institution frequently goes on outings with a cart, it’s worth checking what accessories are available: sun canopy or rain cover, extra storage pockets, cup holders or seat cushions. If you transport very young children, look for safety harnesses or opt for a dedicated nursery stroller.
6. Handle: For daily use and when different people use the cart, a height-adjustable handle is a good idea – it’s easier on the back.
7. Push bar: Models with a push bar can be both pulled and pushed. This is useful when transporting small children and on very long outings or hilly terrain.

Whether you’re heading to the playground, into town, to the beach or the forest – with a handcart you can comfortably transport everything you need. Discover high-quality handcarts for institutions here in the Sport-Thieme online shop.