My 1-year-old Son Is A Jeep Wrangler Driver

“One of these days, I’ll get a Jeep.” I keep telling myself that—perhaps it’ll be an XJ Cherokee 4×4 with the 4.0-liter I6, a TJ Wrangler Sahara, or a 1989 Grand Wagoneer. Now is not the time, though, because I bought a brand-new 2023 Hyundai Sonata in October of 2023 out of a need for a comfortable, fuel-efficient commuter car, and I plan on using it well after it’s paid off. For my one-year-old son Hayden, “one of these days” is now: He’s an enthusiastic owner of Delta Children’s Jeep Classic Wrangler 3-in-1 Grow With Me Walker.

Oddly enough, I have to credit my wife Eli for Hayden’s little off-roader. A few months ago, she was looking for walkers and texted me the links to several options, one of which was the Wrangler. Of course, I picked that—in Anniversary Green for a touch of heritage. As its name implies, it can be used three different ways. Right now, we place Hayden in it so he can use it as a sort of training wheels for walking on his own. An adjustable handle bar on the back allows him to push the Jeep and work on his balance and coordination. We haven’t removed the body from the base to use it as a rolling toy box yet, but that day is coming soon.

Being a father has made me look at things differently. I recently realized one of my favorite things to see, aside from Hayden’s smiling face, is any sign of his presence: one of his socks that he tore off, his little letter/number/word/picture blocks that he refuses to let me stack, a stuffed animal that got called up to the big leagues (aka “playtime with Hayden”), a random Cheerio that evaded the broom, etc. As a person who’s spent a lot of time in Jeep Wranglers, I find Hayden’s rig to be an amusing sight. It has a lift alright, but it’s just for the body, not the suspension. Ground clearance under the functional wheels is minimal. Perhaps when he’s older, Hayden will like the look of low-riders raised up on their hydraulics . . .

Talking with and observing Jeep Wrangler owners has taught me that the only unmodified Wrangler is the one that hasn’t been made yet. I can tell that Hayden is already thinking about upgrades—he frequently pries off the wheel covers and I occasionally see him sitting next to his Wrangler and spinning its tires. Who do I contact for toddler-sized beadlock wheels and all-terrain rubber?

Ben Folds Five has a great song called “Evaporated.” One of the lyrics I find to be especially true: “It seems that all men wanna get into a car and go anywhere.” I know I do, whether it’s a long road trip with my family or a solo drive to decompress and clear my mind. Hayden isn’t a man yet, but he’s proof of that concept because he loves going for a post-dinner cruise around the house, his chunky feet propelling him Fred Flintstone-style the whole way. He’s rarely fussy but, when he does get worked up, some time behind the tiny wheel of his Wrangler helps calm him down. No matter what time it is or how Hayden’s feeling, he’s “that guy” that every neighborhood seems to have: the one who’s always revving his engine. It’s not Hayden’s fault, though. He must have some sort of wiring issue because even if he doesn’t use the engine start/stop button, his engine roars when he pushes the shift lever.

In a story from last year, I mentioned that Hayden is a good “driver.” Luckily, that hasn’t changed. He knows how to adjust his mirrors, plus he uses his turn signals. Hayden’s Wrangler doesn’t have a back-up camera, but there’s also no top so, when he needs to go in reverse, he just twists and looks behind him to make sure he’s clear. He even knows what bump stops are—his version of them, at least: when he bumps into a cabinet door or the dishwasher, he stops and moves on. “Mr. H” is years away from real off-roading, but he already knows to stay on the trail. If I stand in a doorway to keep him from going to a part of the house that’s off-limits, he doesn’t ram me or throw a fit—he backs up and returns to the designated trail.

I’m patiently awaiting the day I can get a Jeep of my own so Hayden and I can go wheeling and camping together. Until then, I’m happy to see him enjoy top-off adventures in his Wrangler.

The Delta Children Jeep Classic Wrangler 3-in-1 Grow With Me Walker is normally $99 but right now, you can get 15 percent off during the company’s Winter Sale. If you’re thinking about getting one for your child or grandchild, you can learn more about it by clicking here.