Make the school run a little easier with tips for safer, happier walks
The school run doesn't have to mean jumping in the car. Walking to school can be a great way to get some fresh air, fit more movement into your family's day and enjoy a little extra time together.
But when you've got a school-age child, a toddler with tired legs and a whole lot to remember, the walk isn't always quite as simple as it sounds.
That's where we can help.
From child road safety tips and ideas for establishing a back-to-school routine to fun games to play along the way, we've put together everything you need to make walking to school work for your family.
Download our FREE ‘Walking-To-School’ Activity Sheets
Walking to school can be a simple way to build more movement into your family's everyday routine - without having to find extra time for exercise.
Walking is an easy way to add physical activity to your child's day. Even a short journey there and back can contribute to their daily movement.
Fresh air and a little movement can help everyone arrive at school feeling ready for the day ahead.
Making walking part of the school run can help establish positive everyday habits that can continue as your child grows.
The school run doesn't have to be all about getting from A to B. Walking gives you time to chat, spot things along the way and enjoy some one-to-one time before the school day begins.
Regular walks are a great opportunity to talk about road safety, practise crossing roads and help children become more aware of their surroundings.
Small journey. Big benefits.
The first few weeks of a new school year can feel like a military operation. Uniforms, breakfast, packed lunches, shoes, book bags… and somehow everyone still needs to leave the house on time. A few simple habits can make the school run feel much more manageable.
Lay out uniforms, pack bags and prepare anything you can ahead of time. One less job in the morning means one less opportunity for chaos.
Build some breathing room into your journey. A few extra minutes means you're less likely to feel rushed – and your child can stop to look at that very important stick they just found.
Try to leave at roughly the same time each morning and follow the same route. Familiarity can make the journey feel easier for little ones.
If you're walking with a younger child, remember that their pace – and stamina – may be very different from your school-age child's.
A BuggyBoard® can give tired toddlers a place to hop on when their legs need a break, while keeping the pushchair available for younger children.
The walk doesn't have to be something you rush through. Turn it into a mini adventure with a simple game, scavenger hunt or spotting challenge.
Walking to school is a great opportunity to teach children about staying safe around roads. Remember that younger children may not yet be able to accurately judge how fast vehicles are travelling or how far away they are, so always supervise them appropriately for their age and ability.
Teach children these five simple steps every time they cross a road:
Find a safe place to cross and stop at the kerb.
Look and listen carefully for traffic in all directions.
Let approaching traffic pass before crossing the road.
Check that it is safe before stepping into the road.
When it is clear, cross the road directly, continue looking and listening as you cross.
Whenever possible, use a designated crossing such as a zebra, pelican, puffin or toucan crossing.
A safe school run starts before you leave the front door.
When you've got more than one little passenger, walking to school can present a familiar dilemma: your big kid can walk, but your toddler's legs aren't always ready for the whole journey.
Lascal BuggyBoard® is designed for exactly those in-between stages. Just attach it to your pushchair and your toddler can hop on for a rest when little legs get tired, then hop off again when they're ready to walk.
The Universal Connector and Easy-Fit system make it simple to attach the BuggyBoard® to compatible pushchairs.
Choose a BuggyBoard® model that suits your family's needs, including options with a foldaway saddle for sitting or standing.
Large wheels and suspension help make the journey more comfortable, even when the pavement isn't perfectly smooth.
When your little one wants to walk, the BuggyBoard® can be lifted and stored out of the way.
The BuggyBoard® features an anti-slip surface, protective side frame and reflective details for increased visibility.
Whether you're looking for a compact board for a smaller pushchair or the flexibility of a sit-or-stand option, there's a BuggyBoard® to suit different family setups.
A compact option for smaller pushchairs and younger children who need an occasional lift.
A larger ride-on board designed for toddlers who want to hop on and off.
Our sit-or-stand option, with a foldaway saddle for when your little passenger needs to take a proper rest.
Not sure which one fits your pushchair? Check our BuggyBoard® Fitting Guide
Before you head out, make sure you've got:
Now you're ready to go.
From the first walk of the new school year to the hundreds of school runs that follow, there's plenty to discover along the way.
So swap four wheels for two feet when you can, take your time, and make the journey count.
Happy walking!
Yes. Walking can contribute to children's daily physical activity and can help build healthy habits from a young age. It can also provide opportunities for family time, fresh air and learning about road safety.
Plan for your toddler to need breaks. A pushchair board such as the Lascal BuggyBoard® can give tired little legs a place to rest while your older child continues walking.
There is no single age at which every child is ready to walk to school alone. Children develop road-awareness and judgement at different rates. Parents and carers should decide when their child is ready based on their ability to understand and follow road-safety rules and the route they need to take.
The Green Cross Code is guidance for pedestrians on how to cross roads safely. Children should be taught the Code and should not go out alone until they can understand and use it properly.
Try turning the walk into a game. Use a scavenger hunt, spot different colours or shapes, count things you see or encourage your child to notice what's happening around them. You can also download our free walking-to-school activity sheets for more ideas.
Lascal BuggyBoard® models are compatible with a wide range of prams, strollers, buggies and pushchairs. Always check your specific pushchair model using the Lascal BuggyBoard® Fitting Guide before purchasing.
