Early years educators are the unsung heroes of childhood development. They juggle endless responsibilities: nurturing curiosity, ensuring safety, and crafting memorable learning experiences – often while navigating the chaos of outdoor excursions.
We all know how critical the outdoors is for early development. It supports children’s knowledge and skills across the seven areas of learning and development – and in particular, their personal, social and emotional development (PSED) which the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework states is “crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives and is fundamental to their cognitive development”.
And we also know the risks of insufficient time outside, such as poor physical skills(and in particular, gross motor skills and movement, balance and coordination); poor social skills; and problems with emotional and mental wellbeing.
All too often, however, outdoor trips for early years settings involve bulky strollers that leave preschoolers cramped and under-twos disengaged, or the logistical nightmare of hauling multiple pushchairs for children with varying needs. It’s no wonder outings can feel more like a chore than an adventure.
Enter the Petit Wagon Beetle: a game-changing stroller wagon born from real-life trials in the bustling parks of Edinburgh. Meadows Park, the testing ground for Petit Wagon, is where educators, parents, and children have shaped a solution that truly meets their needs.
Meadows Park, Edinburgh, serves as the home base of The Petit Wagon Company, where the Beetle wagon is designed and tested.
Why face-to-face seating matters more than you think
One of the Beetle’s standout features is its face-to-face seating: a simple design choice with profound implications.
For children, this setup isn’t just about sharing snacks on a tray (although they enjoy the experience!). It’s about:
-
Building social skills: Eye contact and shared laughter during walks foster empathy and language development.
-
Encouraging collaboration: Educators report children inventing games and eagerly sharing observations, turning a simple walk into a collaborative exploration of their world. no more “tunnel vision” from forward-facing seats.
-
Easing separation anxiety: The face-to-face design gives nervous children a predictable circle of familiar faces, creating a safe ‘home base’ from which they can gradually engage with new sights and sounds.
“Children have loved being able to sit more upright and watch what is going on alongside them.”
– Tic Tocs Day Nursery in Preston
August 23, 2024: Children at Kidzrus Nursery in Swinton are having a business meeting while seating face-to-face in the Beetle.
Safety meets flexibility: a win for educators
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: most group transport solutions, such as toddler prams, traditional pushchairs, or multi seats buggies, focus on fitting multiple kids—but overlook inclusivity and practicality. The Beetle bridges this gap by delivering on both:
-
True Inclusivity: At 17kg with a 150kg capacity, it easily accommodates mixed-age groups, including older children with SEND needs who might outgrow standard equipment.
-
Space-saving design: When folded, the Beetle’s slim 40 cm-wide frame slips effortlessly into car boots, nursery storage closets, or tight spaces on trains and buses, making spontaneous adventures and daily commutes stress-free.
-
Terrain mastery: From cobblestone streets to muddy forest paths, its all-terrain wheels and dual braking systems (including a foot brake for hills) keep adventures rolling safely.
-
Team-friendly design: Dual handlebars let educators share steering duties while keeping eyes on the group.
“Safety is paramount, and having the extra handle ensures the wagon doesn’t roll away on steep banks. It naturally encourages staff to be at both ends of the wagon, which is good practice for safely transporting the children.”
– Mark Shotton of Tynemouth Nursery
October 30, 2024: Staff at Tynemouth Nursery Group are well-prepared for outings to a local park with steep banks and tight turns
Final thoughts: why this isn’t just another gadget
When outings shift from stressful logistics to joyful exploration, the effects ripple outward. Parents no longer see glassy-eyed children staring blankly at the backs of pushchairs; instead, they witness faces lit up with curiosity, pointing at passing fire trucks or giggling with friends over shared discoveries.
For educators, the difference is equally profound: studies show that when caregivers have tools that work with them (not against them), burnout rates drop and staff retention climbs. Happy educators create thriving learning environments.
By reimagining early years mobility, the Beetle transforms routine walks into adventures where children aren’t just moved from point A to B, but actively participate in the journey. It’s proof that when a product is designed with empathy, we don’t just solve problems; we unlock potential.
“The Petit Wagon is fantastic! We are a day nursery based in the south and we are currently using the wagon to take our under twos on trips and forest school. They love it! It is easy to use, has great features such as the shelf and storage compartments, and is easy to set up and fold down!”
– a Tops Day Nurseries setting
Learn more
To explore the innovative features of the Beetle and discover how Petit Wagon is redefining childcare mobility, visit the website at .