If you are looking for a new stroller, you may be stuck between choosing the increasingly popular 3-wheel stroller vs the traditional, tried, and true 4-wheel stroller.
In recent years 3-wheel strollers have rolled onto the scene with unique advantages that traditional models can't offer.
When we set out to design our new line of strollers, we knew that we wanted to include a 3-wheel jogging stroller. We did a lot of research to figure out why 3-wheelers have become so popular and what advantages they offer over 4-wheelers.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between three-wheel vs four-wheel strollers so you can make an informed decision on what is the best choice for your family.
If you want a brief overview, we have a summary at the bottom... Enjoy :)
One of the biggest reasons mums and dads buy three-wheel strollers is because of their mobility. Because they only have one wheel at the front, these strollers can turn on a dime making them ideal for busy parents who need to navigate crowded streets and tight spaces. They can be so easy to maneuver that you can even do it one-handed, darting between cones while carrying your local shopping in the other hand... A real dream!
This doesn't mean that four-wheel strollers are difficult to navigate, but any parent who's tried talking on the phone with one hand and pushing with the other knows you will quickly find yourself veering into the bush if not careful. 4-wheel strollers just don't have the same effortless mobility as their 3-wheel counterparts.
The trade-off here however is that four-wheel strollers have great stability, and are less likely to topple because their weight is distributed evenly. Some three-wheelers, like ours, do get around this by having a lower centre of gravity - meaning the seat is closer to the ground but if you're navigating neighbourhoods, bumping up and down curbs, you probably want to have two wheels always on the ground.
Typically, because 3-wheel strollers are designed for jogging, the wheels are much larger than their traditional counterparts. This creates a smoother, more comfortable ride, which is very important if you plan to take your baby with you for a morning jog a few times a week. You can still jog with a 4-wheeler but it isn't what they are designed for.
The larger wheels on a jogging stroller come with another disadvantage: they're heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to store away, whether it's in your car's trunk or a closet at home.
Compact 4-wheel strollers, on the other hand, are meant to be lightweight and simple to pull out, put up, and pack away at virtually any time, making them a godsend for your regular chores.
There are three types of tires for strollers- air-filled, foam-filled, and solid.
Air Filled Tires - Air-filled tires are the most common and they offer a smooth ride for your child. They come in different sizes and can be used on all types of terrain. The disadvantage is that they can get a flat and repairing them can be tricky.
Foam-Filled Tires - Foam-filled tires are less common, but they offer a lot of benefits over air-filled tires. They never go flat, are lightweight and provide a smooth ride. The downside is that they can't be used on all terrains and they're more expensive than air-filled tires.
Solid Tires - Solid rubber tires are the most durable option, but they don't offer a smooth ride like air or foam.
If you intend to use your stroller in town for trips regular trips to the shopping mall on mostly flat surfaces, you'll be fine with foam or rubber wheels however if you're planning to go on treks, nature trails, and rough terrain then you might want to opt for air-filled tires.
With 4-wheel strollers, you have plenty of options regardless of your budget.
LuxuryAt the top end, you have luxury strollers - they have all the bells, whistles, and brand names to go with them but at £600 plus, it's a lot to put out there.
Mid-rangeYou also have affordable mid-range strollers which have that luxury feel and durability but without the expensive price tag to go with it. Ours, for example, you will find at the £150 mark, suiting most people's day-to-day needs.
The jogging stroller is going to cost us £450 although we have done our best to keep the key elements and luxury feel
Low CostLastly, you have your inexpensive options at under £100, they're kind on the purse strings and they get the job done.
As 4-wheelers are considered the original stroller style, you’ve also had various types to choose from whether it's lightweight easy-fold strollers, complex travel systems, and more.
Unfortunately, because jogging strollers are relatively new, the choices to pick from are limited and have a slightly higher price tag.
Having said that, using a stylish and sporty jogging stroller, especially one that has the main features of a standard 4-wheel stroller, does mean you stand out - they look very aesthetically pleasing and you may get a few jealous looks as you breeze around with effortless mobility.
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you're looking for in a stroller. If you need something easy to manoeuvre and can take on different types of terrain, a 3-wheeler is probably your best bet.
If you want more choice, to get the general day-to-day activities done and especially if you need something lightweight and compact for the run around then go with a 4-wheeler.
Advantages
- Smoother, more comfortability for kids
- Great for active parents
- Amazing mobility
- Stylish, sporty, and stand-out design
- Bulky & heavy
- Not as budget-friendly
- Less choice and extra features
- Great affordability for any type of budget
- Easy folding & storage
- Great stability
- Less versatility
Q: Can I use a 3-wheel stroller on all types of terrain?
A: Yes, 3-wheel strollers are designed to be agile enough to take on any terrain but for those extra bumpy roads and nature trails, we recommend air-filled tires.
Q: Are 3-wheel strollers easy to push?
A: If you've ever pushed a four-wheeler then you'll find it just as easy, if not easier, as they're designed with one hand pushing in mind. You might need a little getting used to the weight and size if you're switching from a lightweight compact stroller though.
Q: How much do 3-wheel strollers weigh?
A: 3-wheel strollers generally weigh more than your average four-wheeler but the extra weight is counterbalanced by the fact that they're easier to push. They often have a heavier frame too which makes them more durable.
Q: Are 3-wheel strollers safe?
A: Yes, 3-wheel strollers are just as safe as any other type of stroller on the market today. Many parents find them more stable than four-wheelers. However, as with any product, you should always read the safety instructions carefully before use.
Q: Can you run with a 4-wheel stroller?
Yes, you can run with a four-wheel stroller. Many people do it every day. Just be sure to read the safety instructions first to make sure you're using it correctly.
Q: What age can a baby go in a jogger stroller?
You can put a baby in a jogger stroller when they are old enough to sit up, this would usually be from around 6-8 months.
Q: Can you use a jogging stroller for everyday use?
Yes, you can use a jogging stroller for everyday use. Many people do it every day. Just be sure to read the safety instructions first to make sure you're using it correctly.
Q: Is a 4-year-old too big for a jogging stroller?
No, a four-year-old is not too big for a jogging stroller. If they can sit up and are under the weight limit, they will be fine. Just be sure to read the safety instructions first to make sure you're using it correctly.
Want to know about our 3-wheel or 4-wheel strollers? Check out our range here which covers how we designed our strollers, what makes them special and who they are for.
We hope you found this article helpful and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
