Top 9 reasons to use a stroller board (Buggy Board)

A buggy board, more commonly known as a ride-on board is an accessory that lets you carry an additional child (sort of converts a single pushchair/stroller into a tandem double stroller). The assembly required is minimal and the cost is also reasonable.  Here are more reasons to consider using a stroller wheel board.

Introduction to the Buggy Board

A stroller is a great product for kids and convenient for parents as well, who can carry on with their outdoor activities and still look after the child.

There are several accessories that let you get more out of your stroller; the ride-on-board is one such accessory that allows you to take along an additional child on your existing single stroller.

A ride-on board provides a platform for a toddler (older child) to stand on, and kids actually love to take a ride on this platform. As children grow up, they no longer want to be confined to the seat in the stroller; they want to look around, stand, run, and more importantly, they enjoy going for a ride.

That is where a Buggy Board comes in really handy (also known by various other terms such as Stroller Board, ride-on board, wheeled board).

This accessory works better with kids that are one to three years apart.

With a standing platform attached to the rear of your stroller/pram, you have the perfect combination for a stress-free outing with your two kids. If your child is too tired to walk, or when you are in a hurry, a standing platform for your pram/stroller makes it easy for you and your child to quickly move around.

Though your older child might be happy to walk by himself for some time, they may still tire and if that happens and if there’s no place for them to rest, they can give you a tough time. If that sounds like your family or will be like your family soon, then a stroller with a standing platform is a good option for you.

So if your new baby has arrived, don’t opt for a double buggy right anyway.  Do consider a hop-on stroller platform for your toddler. A stroller with a standing platform provides a safer and more fun-filled ride for your kids (especially the toddler).

Top Reasons to Use a Stroller / Buggy Board

1. It encourages the older child to walk

   Kids who are approaching 3 years like walking but they usually don’t walk too far, which is why an accessory like a ride-on board helps. Also, with these standing platforms, it’s easier for the older child to hop on and off the platform. This encourages the child to get off and walk for a while, which is a good thing for a grown-up child.

   Most parents don’t like to see their 3-4-year-old kids in buggies when they are quite capable of walking by themselves (even onlookers are quite judgmental when they see older kids sitting in the pram, although some older kids may have some genuine illnesses that require them to be seated in the stroller).

   If the elder one is walking, not only will it make the pram lighter to push, but it’s also good for the child’s health.

2. Standing on the board is more fun for a growing child

   Letting a child ride on a Stroller board is the perfect solution for a child who no longer enjoys being seated all the time. As kids start growing up, they enjoy doing activities that involve walking, and running and really don’t want to be confined in the stroller all the time.

   Kids love the ride on a buggy board because they get the feeling that they are riding a bike.

   Your child will also have something exciting to look forward to when you are outdoors. It keeps both the kids closer to you, it lets the siblings ride together in the baby stroller. These hop-on platforms are great for your older toddler, who like most other kids in that group, love to walk sometimes, and at other times prefers a ride.

   Even the view from the standing position is better for the child; it’s more fun watching from an elevation while mom or dad pushes the stroller. Toddlers enjoy the rear platform as it gives them a feeling of freedom.

3. Keeps your older child closer to you

   A stroller with a platform is a useful accessory (from a security perspective) when you’re in crowded places and high-traffic areas, as it lets your elder child be within your arms. It makes it easier for the parent/caretaker to keep an eye on the kids, and also discourages them from running around.

   When you’re at a crowded place or when you need to cross the road (or railway tracks), its best to have your kids closer to you. A stroller board ensures your child is safely within your arms and makes it convenient for you to safely take your kids from one place to another.

   A buggyboard is attached on the rear side of the baby stroller and they have to hold onto the stroller handle. These are wide enough for your toddler’s feet, and the best part is that your child will be placed between your hands, and be close to you as you push the stroller (so they are really safe). Almost all boards come with a non-slip surface which means your child can safely stand on the board.

   These platforms give you more control over the elder sibling when you are outdoors. You really do not have to feel like a herder looking for your kids in a crowded area, and that is why its advisable for parents to invest in a stroller with platform that can take your elder toddler as well.

   Even though your child is growing up, you really don’t want him/her to walk outdoors on their own, until you are confident enough that they are really independent. With a stroller board, your child will have something exciting to look forward to when you are outdoors, and it will also keep both the kids closer to you and let the siblings ride together in the stroller.

4. The child can even sit when they are tired

   You also get stroller platforms with a seat attached, which gives your toddler the option to sit as well. Those are a bit more expensive than the plain standing boards, but it’s more convenient for your toddler.

   But assuming you have the regular buggy board (the one without the seat), you can still make your child sit on it. Well, kids actually figure this out themselves, when they are dead tired (tired enough even to stand).

   We have seen kids sit on the buggy board with their feet in the shopping basket. A lot of kids like to sit on the board and hang their legs off. It does block their view, but then it works for them (at times).

5. Better quality boards offer a smooth ride

   The better quality boards use good quality wheels and come with better built-in suspension which makes it easy to use them on various kinds of surfaces/terrains (road, mud, sand, park, ground, etc).

   A well-cushioned wheel makes the ride smooth & less bumpy.

   The better ones go smoothly (without making much noise) on pavement, grass, sand, covered sidewalks, indoors (carpeting), etc.

6. Use it to keep a shopping basket or a cooler

   The stroller board can be quite handy in other situations as well.

   There are many parents who buy a stroller board so that they can keep the shopping/grocery basket when in the grocery store, or keep a cooler when out on a sunny day, and most of them actually feel that it’s worth the investment for the convenience it offers.

   Read: Using the stroller as a shopping cart

7. Easier to Manoeuvre than Double Strollers

   This pram accessory eliminates the need for a double buggy, which can get quite inconvenient at times. Compared to a double stroller, the board attached to a stroller is a more compact option and easy to maneuver, something that I am sure most parents would appreciate. It’s easier to take it in narrow alleys, elevators, and shopping malls, compared to a double stroller.

   A lot of parents who have been using a buggy standing board like the experience and don’t feel the need for a double buggy.

   Read: Using a single stroller with a stroller board vs using a double stroller.

   However, there are some parents who find a buggy board annoying as they feel it restricts their movement, and are happy to use a double pram instead. Also, if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a double buggy, you should consider buying a stroller board. So make your pick!

8. Cost-effective option (to accommodate another child)

   Upgrading to a dual stroller can be more expensive; besides, they are also quite heavy (getting that heavy double stroller out everytime can be a pain).

   This is why a toddler ride-on stand for the stroller can be a practical and cost-effective option.

   This accessory sort of converts your existing baby stroller into a double stroller in order to accommodate another child, albeit in the standing position, and does this at a fraction of the cost.

   This way you get to keep your existing stroller and make it more usable as your child grows up.

   Read: More ways to convert your single stroller into a double stroller.

   
   

9. Remove the board when it is not in use

   When not in use, you can also easily fold up the stroller board (leaves more space for walking) or even completely detach it (easily removed) if it’s not going to be used for a long time.

   Most boards come with elastic straps so that you can fold them up (onto the stroller) so that it is out of the way when not in use and fairly high from the ground so that you can walk comfortably (most boards do curtail your steps to some extent).

   Most boards also come off easily (doesn’t require any tools). The better ones come with a quick on-and-off connector that makes it easy and really quick to attach or detach the stand-on glider board. Assuming, that the weather turns bad, you don’t want to spend several minutes removing the board. For that reason, most boards offer a convenient option, you can fold them up when not in use.

   Some stroller boards come with an optional storage strap, which makes it convenient for keeping the rider in place when not in use. On some stroller boards, you can even remove the wheels (not in a bad/dangerous way), which is great for storage or packing.

   Please note that some stroller boards will need to be detached completely before you can fold the stroller (to put it in the car, or when you reach back home).

Is it Comfortable for the Parent?

Does it make walking awkward with the stroller platform attached?

While this is a useful accessory, many parents find it inconvenient as it interferes with their walking and their legs bump into the stroller most of the time.

Most stroller boards will restrict your movement to some extent; you will not really be able to take long strides. You may have to change your stance a bit (although not necessarily).

If the stroller board is way too low or protrudes way backward, you’ll need to adjust your stride to prevent bumping onto the board. It’s difficult to walk for long, with your arms outstretched to reach the handle, and with your bottom and legs trailing behind to avoid feet knocking into the board.

Walking in this manner also makes it hard to steer the buggy.

Having said that, most parents who’re very tall (over 6 feet) will face some inconvenience when walking with stroller boards attached, and may not be able to very long strides.

Usually, it’s not the husband who’s going to use the stroller (they could have a harder time using it if they had to). Most moms only have to adjust their stance slightly to avoid hitting the shins.

While most stroller platform manufacturers keep this in mind in their design, on some strollers, it could make walking (quickly) with the stroller a little awkward.

However, I guess that is a small compromise that one needs to make when using this accessory.

Very tall parents have the option of going in for stroller handle extenders to walk comfortably. In case you find there is really not sufficient space for you to walk with the board attached (gives you backache because you’re pushing the buggy at a funny angle), you can buy buggy handle extensions that will make it more convenient to walk.

Related: Stroller Handle Extensions: Useful accessories.

Buying a Stroller Ride-On Board

A Pram Board is an accessory that attaches to the pushchair allowing a toddler to stand when their legs are tired. Designed for families on the go, your older child can catch a ride on the back of the pram/stroller by standing on that attached platform.

These boards are sturdy, come with large wheels with nice suspension, and do not interfere with the steering of the stroller. You don’t need any special tools to attach it to the pram. A universal pushchair board can be attached to any make of stroller. Just read the instructions and setting it up is easy. Some pushchair boards also accommodate a saddle/seat (may come along or can be bought separately).

There are several stroller manufacturers that make stroller boards. You also get universal stroller boards that are designed to fit most buggies (these have adapters that make them fit most prams). Most of these standing platforms are designed for children from 2 – 5 years or a maximum of 20 kg (approx).

Read reviews of the best Stroller Boards here…

With a stroller board, you really don’t need to buy a lot of extra things to accommodate another child. Depending on the model you use, you may consider buying a stroller handle extension in order to make walking more comfortable. If you’re going out for short distances, you can remove these platforms and let them walk instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Stroller Boards

Here are some frequently asked questions we often get asked related to a buggy board. If you have any more questions to ask, please do not hesitate to post a comment!

What is a Buggy Board?

A buggy board is a platform on wheels that attaches to a stroller or pram, providing a safe place for older siblings to ride when in crowded areas or when their legs become tired. Some of these even come with a seat (saddle).

Buggyboard is also the name given by ‘Lascal’ to its very own brand of stroller board. It’s a model of stroller board, and these accessories are produced by other manufacturers as well. However most often, when you say Buggyboard, it means you’re referring to the one by ‘Lascal’.

Types of Stroller Boards

A stroller board primarily is a board (on wheels) attached to the rear end of a baby stroller. However, there are a few variations available.

A buggy board can be of the following types:

• The regular Stroller Board on which a kid can stand (some come with seats as well). You need to buy this as a separate accessory.
• Stroller trikes that serve multiple purposes. Some of these come with a standing platform attached.
• Sit & Stand Strollers: These are strollers that come with a board attached for a child to stand on.

Various Models / Brands

Most stroller brands now make stroller boards (standing platforms) to accommodate another child. This is a cost-effective option for users who do not wish to invest in a tandem / double stroller.

Almost all the major brands of strollers now make their own stroller boards. Bugaboo, UPPAbaby, Baby Jogger, BRITAX, Bumbleride, and others; all make their own ride-on boards. Most of these are not universal boards (they are designed to work with their own line of strollers).

And what if your brand of stroller doesn’t make a stroller ride-on board?

In that case, you can opt for one of the universal stroller boards. These are designed in such a manner that they attach to a wide range of models and makes.

You also have the option of buying a universal stroller wheel board (these are designed to work with most brands of strollers). While the Lascal buggy boards are the more popular universal boards out there, products of other brands are also now available on the market.

There are several better-designed, universal glider boards available for strollers. Please feel free to check them out. Read reviews of the top buggy board models here.

Is the Buggy Board safe to use for children?

Most stroller boards are coated with a non-slip surface to ensure that a child does not accidentally fall off the surface. Some even include a frame that prevents the child from slipping off the edge.

These boards ride high off the ground, and the wheels have independent suspension which ensures the stroller board doesn’t get caught on debris that may be on the sidewalk or roadway.

Also Read: Stroller safety, things to avoid

Weight Limitation?

Stroller boards can hold a child weighing from 40-44 pounds, up to 20 kg. These are recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 5.

How to Attach the Board?

it is easy to connect these stroller platform attachments. A stroller board comes with the necessary instructions on how it needs to be attached to the stroller/pram; the instructions are clearly laid down, and it’s also very intuitive.

The standing platform is attached to the frame of the stroller or to the upright tubing of the pram. The universal standing platforms can fit different types of tubing (square, oval or round tubing) on strollers.

It’s also extremely easy to remove. So you can switch between a single and double stroller, using this attachment.

Does it require additional hardware?

All the parts that are needed to assemble and attach the board to the stroller are included in the purchase and you do not need to buy them separately. Instructions clearly explain how to assemble the board and which attachments to use based on the tubing for your stroller or pram.

However, in certain cases, where the stroller model is old, you may have to use a stroller board adapter to attach the wheel board to the stroller.

How do you store it when not in use?

The board includes a strap that allows it to be lifted off the ground and stored behind the stroller or pram when not in use.

The boards can also easily be detached from the stroller.

How much does a stroller board cost?

The prices vary depending on the make, and whether it comes with a seat or not.

The price ranges for a buggy board ranges from approximately $30 to $120 online.

Should You Buy a Cheap buggy board?

Avoid buying the cheapest buggy boards as they are not among the sturdiest of all the buggy boards. A cheap buggy board could wobble while going uphill. They won’t break down though, they are tested for such terrains, but the riding experience will not be great. So buy a good quality buggy board.

Where can I buy one?

Buggy Boards are available through local distributors and also through online retailers (for best prices); we have included links to some good ones on this site.

Have any more questions? Please feel free to ask below.

Related: Best Stroller boards: Reviews