It’s Christmas and we’re all standing in the toy isle wondering which toys will be the ones that end up forgotten in the back of the closet, which will be broken by the New Year, and which will be a flat out disappointment. So which toys will stand the test of time?  We took the Little Tikes Handle Haulers “Haul & Ride” out for a test drive, 8 months, one active 17 month old, one mile in the real world.  How does the Little Tikes Haul and Ride rate in the Mommy Mile Guide?

Features: The Little Tikes Handle Haul & Ride converts from a walker to a ride on to a wagon and features and adjustable handle with 3 buttons and 7 sound effects.

Assembly:  Easy

Battery Life: Awesome.  8 months on 2 AAs which were included!  Annoyance Factor: Low. Sound effects are just quiet enough and easy to tune out.Cleaning: An occasional quick wipe down with soap and water does the trick. Complaints:  Pull out handle does not lock in wagon position, very frustrating for my 16 month old also poses a pinching risk.  The truck can only be converted between walker, ride on, and wagon by a parent.  When used as a wagon the bin is really too small to hold much of anything. Mommy likes:  This truck exceeded my expectations.  The 6 wheels and controlled steering make this a very sturdy and almost topple proof ride on toy.  The steering wheel has big buttons that are easy to push. Of all the toys we own this is by far the most durable and most loved.  This truck from Little Tikes takes a beating.  Because of the issues with the handle we’ve only ever used the truck as a ride on but I have seen my son push, pull, and ride on it when configured this way.   The Haul & Ride keeps my kid entertained on his own and when he has a play date one child can push and the other can ride. Baby likes:  It is easy to get on and off by himself, the buttons make cool truck sounds, he can push backwards on truck really fast. Weee!Abusability: This toy has been banged, wanged, dropped, turn upside down, ridden by adults, kicked, shoved through spaces too small for passage, used as a battering ram, and ridden every day and it still looks and works perfectly.Mommy Mile Guide Rating:   ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥    (5/5)Bottom Line:  This is the mother of little boy ride on toys.

Specs:

•  Price Range: $19.99-$29.99
• Availability: Toys R Us, Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart, easy to find!
• Measurements: 23″L x 10″D x 18 1/2″H
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required
• Recommended Age: 1-3 years