When shopping for a stroller for a new baby, one of the first things you’ve probably noticed is there are two main types of stroller. The traditional four wheeled stroller is increasing being replaced by a modern three wheeled version. You can also find a growing range of jogging strollers, meaning there is a lot for new parents to compare! Here, we will take a look at some of the pros and cons of the different types of stroller, to help you find the style which is best for your family.
Advantages of a 3 Wheel Stroller
The 3 wheeled stroller is becoming more and more popular. It’s not surprising, as they have a range of advantages over the traditional 4 wheel stroller. The 3-wheel stroller usually has two larger wheels at the back to make it stable and prevent it from tipping over. This means the front wheel does most of the maneuvering, making controlling the direction quite easy. Therefore, these strollers are ideal for those who need a nifty stroller to get in and out of busy or cramped areas. A three wheel stroller is much easier to push with one hand, so they are ideal for when you will be carrying something else, or have another child to hold on to!
However, it’s important to choose a 3 wheel stroller with a swivel front wheel – if it is fixed in place, turning can be very difficult. They are also often more expensive than the four wheeled models. They can also be a bit bulky and difficult to store or take in the trunk. And let’s face it, with a new baby you might not be out exercising as much as you planned!
Why Choose an All Terrain Stroller
All terrain strollers have three air-filled tires which are excellent for navigating all different types of ground. Also sometimes known as jogging strollers, they are great for hiking or jogging on rough tracks, and offer a smooth and comfortable ride for the baby or toddler being pushed.
However, they are often quite a bit larger than standard strollers, so can take up a lot of space in the trunk of the car. Some do have a removable front wheel to make travel a bit easier, but it adds time and effort when you’re in a hurry to get going. Bear in mind these strollers are also heavy, so for new moms it might be difficult to lift them into the car without hurting themselves.
When is a 4 Wheel Stroller Better?
A stroller with four wheels offers more stability than one with only three wheels. If the stroller will be used as a travel system, this is really important. Some 3 wheel strollers allow the baby to sit quite low to the ground, which increases the stability. Those where the seat is higher can be a bit dangerous and have more chance of tipping when the baby gets bigger and heavier. With 4-wheelers, there is much less chance of the stroller tipping.
This type of stroller is usually cheaper, and can fit in the car easier. They also offer more options and flexibility – search online for strollers for sale or go to a store and you will see much more 4 wheel than 3 wheel models. Also, you can still exercise with a 4 wheeled stroller, perhaps just not quite as easily as you can with a jogger.
However, the turn can be wider on a 4-wheeler, which can make maneuvering through crowded places or tight spaces more difficult. They are also not as versatile, and can’t be used well on all kinds of terrain.
Best of Both Strollers
Some four wheel strollers offer the same advantages of a three wheeler, by having the front two wheels closer together. This offers more stability, but still gives the maneuverability of a three wheeled stroller. These are a great choice for most parents, as they offer the best of both worlds! However, they can still be a little difficult to use on rough ground. So, if you will mainly be walking on rough trails, it’s usually best to go for a jogging stroller.
Whichever style of stroller you decide to choose, it’s best to try some out, and get a feel for different types before making a big purchase. Many parents end up buying several strollers before they find one which really works for everyone.
