Jogging Stroller or Regular Stroller: How Many Wheels Do You Need?
Purchasing a new baby stroller can be a big decision, and when it comes to stroller options, they seem to be endless. One of the biggest questions that arises when shopping for the best baby stroller is whether to go with a three-wheel or four-wheel option.
There are different benefits to each of these stroller options, and depending on your lifestyle, one type might be a more practical option than the other.
The Advantages of 3-Wheel Strollers
Three-wheel strollers have been picking up in popularity amongst parents today, which isn’t too surprising considering the many benefits that these functional strollers provide. Typically, three-wheel strollers have two larger wheels in the back and a smaller wheel in the front. This helps prevent tips from occurring and offers more stability for three-wheel strollers than they have had in the past. While not as stable as four-wheel strollers, there is some stability when using a three-wheel stroller, which can be particularly helpful if you have an active child that likes to wiggle or be physically rambunctious.
In addition to this stability, three-wheel strollers are extremely maneuverable, making them easy to get around tight corners or into small spaces, like elevators or public transit. In fact, jogging strollers are mostly always three-wheelers because of their increased maneuverability.
Another added advantage of using three-wheel strollers is the fact that they are easy to control with one hand, which is ideal if you’re carrying something in your other hand or holding hands with a toddler who is walking alongside the stroller.
Three-wheel strollers also do well on bumpy ground, as they are great at absorbing shock and rolling over all types of terrain. This makes them a popular choice amongst active and nature-loving parents.
The Disadvantages of 3-Wheel Strollers
When it comes to three-wheel strollers, the cons are few and far between. However, there are a few, including price point. Three-wheel strollers are usually more expensive than four-wheel strollers.
They can also be bulkier when it comes to storage. The reason for this is the large back wheels. Three-wheel strollers are also relatively heavy, which may be a problem for new parents who don’t have the arm strength to lift their three-wheel stroller into a car.
The Advantages of 4-Wheel Strollers
While three-wheel strollers do offer a good amount of stability, four-wheel strollers excel in this area. Along with providing a stable ride, they are less likely to tip over than three-wheel strollers.
Additionally, four-wheel strollers are much more affordable than three-wheel strollers. They also tend to take up less space than three-wheel strollers, especially if you own a lightweight four-wheel stroller.
The Disadvantages of 4-Wheel Strollers
Unfortunately, when it comes to four-wheel strollers, there are some notable downsides. The biggest of these is maneuverability. Four-wheel strollers are not ideal for turning around sharp corners or making quick turns.
They also fall short in the area of pushing, as they can be quite difficult to push with just one hand. This can prove to be a problem for parents who want to hold a toddler’s hand while pushing a four-wheel stroller.
Additional Features to Look for in a Stroller
In addition to wheel considerations, there are some other features that you may want to look for when shopping for the best stroller.
Having an umbrella on your stroller can be a huge convenience. Along with providing weather protection (shade from the sun and coverage during rain and snow), umbrella strollers also allow you to drape a blanket over the stroller to create a warm and dark nap space for your little one. If you’re an active parent and covering lots of terrain with a three-wheel stroller, chances are that you’ll find yourself encountering all types of weather while on the go with your little one.
Storage compartments are another nice feature to have on your stroller, as they can come in quite handy when your hands are full and you need both of them to guide your stroller. Many strollers come with storage compartments beneath the seat area. If you find yourself wanting a four-wheel stroller, this added feature will be of extra importance, as you’ll probably want to have both hands on the handlebar when strolling.
The Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the most stability in a stroller, as well as easy storage, a four-wheel stroller is the way to go. However, if you’re willing to own a stroller that is a bit heavier and takes up a little more space, three-wheel strollers offer fantastic maneuverability and a decent amount of stability for active parents.
Resources— Stroller Envy, Today’s Parent
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