3 wheels or 4 wheels?

[ElizaDee]

I was just reading and posting the Bad Pram thread, and I thought I would start a new one for this topic.

When you were choosing a pram, and eventually bought one. Did you want/get 3 or 4 wheels and why?

I like the idea of being able to move the handle bars so that I can see bub when they are little and moving it back when they are older and can look around. However I have been told that the 3 wheelers are better.

I am not sure what type to get and since I don't jog it doesn't really matter it just has to work. My SIL had a four wheel one where the wheels kept sticking and she could not work it, I don't remember the brand.

So I am after suggestions from the experienced here :)

[Harmony83]

Initially I wanted a four wheeler ( I thought the 3 wheelers looked funny!). But my partner wanted to get a 3 wheeler, I figured that I'd probably want to start walking after I had bubs so I ended up getting a 3 wheeler, and I am really glad I did!! They are soooo easy to manouvre especially in shopping centres!!! We have an All Terrain with pump up wheels and its so smooth, everyone who pushes bubs around comments on what a nice pram it is to push!!! It took us months to finally choose our pram, it had to look good, feel good, be compact and light...

I do wish we could have found one where you can have bubs facing towards you, because when our little one was newborn he was terrified of the pram and wouldn't go in it at all, and I Think that would have helped!!! :D

[poshBecks]

I have a 4 wheeler. I like it. The only thing about a movable handle, & maybe it's just my pram, but it's a lot harder to push when you have it so you can see bub.

[jamb]

I am HUGE fan (they should pay me) of the mountain buggy this is a fabbo 3 wheeler- goes literally anywhere- I live on coast and it plows through soft sand and in reverse well it goes even further.

At the shops, smooth as, one hand control, small turning circle. I think it collapses well and is light for me to pick up.

I could keep going on but I will stop- best investment we made, bought off ebay for couple of hundred cheaper and it was brand new in a box!

[Rainbowbrite]

We wanted a 3 wheeler for its manouverability and i'm so glad we did. Its great, so easy to dodge traffic in shopping centres. I also don't like tha fact that i couldn't see MJ in the stroller but with the hood over it I can see straight through the plastic viewer. Also easy to collapse though not very light.

We have an Overlander Deluxe btw :)

[Ky]

I had a 4 wheeler, but it didn't survive the plane flight from New Zealand when we moved over here. Within a week of walking around the streets of Bankstown with all of the cut-up concrete paths, it folded in half on itself!

We bought a 3 wheeler as we needed to get over rough terrain with a very big baby in it. My son at the time was almost 5 months and weighing 10kg! This isn't as bad as you think as he was almost 6kg at birth!

We have a Steelcraft Swivelrite Jogger and it is really great. The wheels get a bit squeaky sometimes, but nothing that a bit of wd40 can't fix. It has a built in insect net/sunshade and is smoothly manouverable. You can lock the front wheel for jogging or faster walking and when unlocked it turns on a dime.

My sil bought a very similar pram at the same time as me and hers has already needed to be held together with a bungee cord and be fixed several times and she paid approx $200 more for hers! We also use ours more, so it has withstood a heck of a lot more punishment!

Anyway, to answer the question - it would depend on the terrain I was going to use the pram on ... my 4 wheeler was great where I lived in NZ, the 3 wheeler is incredible in Australia!

[BubbleBelly]

I had my heart set on a 4 wheeler! But when i went to "test" out the prams i found the 3 wheelers were sooooo much easier to manuver!

I bought a Beema Q By Swallow.
I haven't had bub yet (but i have been practising by pushing my puppy around... silly i know :rolleyes: ) I also bought the bassinet bit for when bub's ity bity so i can see her little face!

[H&B'sMum]

Hi Lara,

We did alot of testing before choosing our pram. One thing I found happened quite often with the 3 wheelers was they tripped over fairly easy, even with a heavy bag of shopping. Yes I always took one as they drive differently when they are empty to when they have something in them. I also thought that I wouldn't be going over any rough terrien or climbing mountains so didnt' think I needed one that could!!!!!
I did had certain requirments.
It meets the safety standards, it has a reversable handle, has a one hand release, it fits in the boot of the car, I could lift it in and out of the boot, no parts needed to come off to fit in the boot (on some you need to take the front wheel off, I personally don't see the point of that), it has good size undercarriage, it is a good height for me and DH (I'm 5"9', he's 6"4') and it was easy to steer.
We bought a Child Care Challenger and it fits all these requirements perfectly. We love it. I am so happy with it that I recommend it to anyone.

All I can say is shop around for your self and don't be afraid to tell the salespeople that you are just going to see if it fits in the car, they will accompany you of course. Don't also be afraid to really take it around both inside the shop and outside. You need to make sure it fits both you and DH and both of you are happy with it.

Good luck and have fun shopping around.

[wattle]

I'm a mountain buggy fan too, it's great. Mine came with a great bassinett which ds was in for the first 5 months, then it converted to an upright pram. It's the lightest on the market and super easy to manoever and get in/out of the car.

The only thing that I'd like is to have a drink holder (a small thing, but it'd be nice), and a slightly bigger basket. I always seem to have so much stuff..... :rolleyes:

[Rockett]

Yep,I agree,go the 3 wheeler.Excellent to manouver in shops etc.
I got a Bertini brand 3 wheeler,it came with a rain cover,boot cover and a snuggly sleeping bag that attaches to the 5 point harness.Heaps of pockets and a good size basket underneath,and adjusts to 3 positions for baby to recline or sit upright.

[zenifa]

Scrapie, like you we wanted the adjustable handlebars, easy to fold/unfold, not too heavy and easy to manoevre. Initially we looked at the three wheelers too, but ended up with a 4 wheeler Swallow Voyager - okay not the trendiest out there, nor that expensive (we got it at a closing down babyco sale for $100), and having a newborn being able to see her when I push her is great!! Remember that as the child gets older you may change pram/stroller, so you can try both (budget willing).
Good luck with it, as we found it really hard to decide with all those baby products out there. Z :)

[mum2ryan]

I couldn't decide which type of pram to buy when I found out I was pregnant with my son Ryan. We ended up buying a four wheel Jeep with all the fab attachments and toys for Ryan to play with. I've found it very light and easy to fold and manouvre around shopping centres.
When I didn't commit to the gym as much as I thought I would (no time) I looked into buying a 3 wheeler to walk around the block or down near the beach. After trying out several in stores, I did my shopping on ebay where you can buy fantastic, new prams at a fraction of the price. (look out for the shipping costs).
The only problem i've found with a three wheeler is that it's harder to go up and down steps or gutters as the front wheel turns.

Happy shopping

Lee

[bb]

We have a four wheeler pram, and despite the fact that it is heavy, and much more difficult to move around with (especially in crowds of people), we would not have it any other way !

The reason we did not go for a three wheeler pram was a horror story (don't we all hate them) about a friend of a friend of ours (and I am serious actually ... this is not one of those friend of a friend of a friend situations).

I think the lesson to learn is to ensure that the pram is safe for use with newborns, especially if you ever think you will be running with the pram (and I can tell you, I am no athlete, but in the rain, I have gone for a serious run to get back to the car). Generally, I think you will find that manufacturers do not recommend three wheeler prams be used with newborns, as their necks are not strong enough to cope with the increased range of movements that the prams can make.

I really hope I have not freaked anyone out ... I am just trying to share the advice I was given (and have been thankful for).

[ElizaDee]

We have a four wheeler pram, and despite the fact that it is heavy, and much more difficult to move around with (especially in crowds of people), we would not have it any other way !

The reason we did not go for a three wheeler pram was a horror story (don't we all hate them) about a friend of a friend of ours (and I am serious actually ... this is not one of those friend of a friend of a friend situations).

I think the lesson to learn is to ensure that the pram is safe for use with newborns, especially if you ever think you will be running with the pram (and I can tell you, I am no athlete, but in the rain, I have gone for a serious run to get back to the car). Generally, I think you will find that manufacturers do not recommend three wheeler prams be used with newborns, as their necks are not strong enough to cope with the increased range of movements that the prams can make.

I really hope I have not freaked anyone out ... I am just trying to share the advice I was given (and have been thankful for).

What happened? Is it to horrible to say?

[LucyE]

Generally, I think you will find that manufacturers do not recommend three wheeler prams be used with newborns
I've seen that too and thought it was pretty silly to have 'jogger' prams that you couldn't jog with. One particular (and rather popular) 3-wheeler manufacture, actually recommended you not even go over any surfaces which were less than smooth (including gravel) with a baby under 6 months.

[rynosmum]

We bought a 3-wheeler (with a newborn headrest insert) and a smaller 4 wheel stroller. I take the 3-wheeler on walks to the park etc but find it too heavy and big to fit in the car for shopping (let alone it only fits through the disabled aisle at the supermarket which can sometimes be a long wait). The 3-wheeler is much easier to push (one finger steering) but the 4 wheeler is my choice for being compact, light and very flexible. :)

[Ky]

Our three wheeler has tipped over once, but only on really uneven ground being pushed by an 8yo! My son was 16mths and only got a fright. Our young friend was beside himself, but it happened only because he just didn't have the strength to fight the pull towards that particular side.

Where we live there are no footpaths and most people walk on the side of the road. When we do have to go on the grass verge, it is really uneven, often with quite a steep slope ... even on the few footpaths there are, the driveways are at such and angle that you fight to keep the pram upright while walking over them.

I would still stick to a 3 wheeler, as a 4 wheeler just wouldn't be able to handle the kind of terrain that mine does every day.

[Ky]

Forgot to add, that only yesterday I saw a 4 wheeler tip over backwards with an 8mo in it - purely because he was wriggling too much!

[littlepickle]

What about the bugaboo? I know it is an expensive option, but you get a bassinet, and a normal seat and the option to put the capsule onto the frame too, so a bit like a travel system. They have pump up wheels and the chameleon has an extendable handle(bar?) it can also be reversed so that bub can face you or face forward, also you can drag it on two wheels on the beach etc. Also the chameleon has changeable covers so you can wash them. I lived in Amsterdam and a lot of people use them there. A friend of mine in particular, it is quite light and easy to fold and carry in the car. The best bit is the suspension and how easy it is to manouvre.
I was put off the 3 wheelers because I have seen more than one mum struggle with fitting theirs through the checkout at coles. Also, I dont really like the look of them - although that in itself shouldnt be a deciding factor I know.

[draught]

I have had a mountain buggy and a Phil and Teds' E3 - both three wheelers. I love love love love love the mountain buggy and am still annoyed with myself that I sold it when we bought the E3. I could steer it with one finger, bounce along over all sorts of terrain, and it was sturdy and safe in my experience. (It also rated top of the picks with Choice recently). I borrowed a friend's bassinet attachment for the first three months and it was a godsend - I could put my baby off to sleep in the pram by rocking it backwards and forwards while I ate my dinner. Did I mention that I loved that pram???

The Phil and Ted's is great for two children - the set up is better than any I have seen, but there are a few things I don't like about it - the harness set up is one. At 11 months and not being a small bubba DD2 is still not held in securely by the straps - they are too long even on the shortest setting. She twists herself up and out of the pram through the straps - I have to watch her like a hawk!

The thing I like about the three wheelers is the size of the wheels - they go over bumps and humps without a hitch - and turn easily for shopping etc.

[LucyE]

littlepickle - I haven't seen the chamelon only the frog (the superseeded model) and from what I've seen, I'd rather spend the money on a Stokke or Quinny. The funny shopping tolley wheels are a bit strange (easy to use on smooth surfaces but ordinary on rough terrain). The other downside is that you need to take it apart to fit in the boot.

kyra - I have a 4 wheeler that could easily handle the terrain you described and infact my son and I do it regularly.

It's a Bertini Bidwell and it is fabulous. It has pneumatic tires and four wheel steering which makes driving it a breeze. I can do it one handed while our german shepard is pulling at the leash. Has great suspension so is fine (and rather comfy) for little bubs. It has a solid backrest/base (with ventilation)which makes it okay for babies to sleep in. It's also one of the few prams where the backrest fully reclines to provide a flat sleeping surface. The handlebars are adjustable and the wire basket is large and easily accessible. The bassinette is reversible so you can have bub face you which I found invaluable as a paranoid first time mum :) It's also handy now so I can 'chat' to my toddler. The best thing that I'm finding right now, is that the covers are easily removed and machine washable. The main downsides that I've found is that it's large and heavy. It rrps for around $700 but I managed to get a brand new one (with a bonus carrycot) for just over $400 last year. So always try and negotiate :)

[Mumoffour]

i went out before my toddler was born and bought a breema 3 wheeler from swallow. It handles well, all the bits come off for washing, handles tough terrain and shopping centres and has a great big basket and a pouch on the back of the hood for your purse etc. on the downside- its HEAVY, cant fold up with one hand ( as i found standing in the rain with bub in one hand), and it takes up a lot of space in the boot of my car. i wanted a pram that was easy to maneuvre because i had a horrid double pram for my older kids which handled like a tank but i found that this pram didnt work for day to day use because it was so heavy and hard to fold up and get in and out of the car. hope this helps

[Mummaof2]

With my DD I had a 4 wheeler but found it very heavy to lift on my own and it was bulky so this time round my DH and I decided that we would look at the 3 wheelers as we have been told they are much easier to maneuver and plus I want to get back into my walking after DS is born.

We started looking as soon as we found out I was PG. Just about every 3 wheeler we looked at my DH was happy with but not me. I found that with 3 wheelers they don’t have the movable handles so that you can see the little bub until they are able to sit up and want to look around. My mother in law had also posted me an article from Choice magazine about a study they did on 3 wheeler prams which made me even more careful about choosing the right pram.

Six months later and we finally found a pram that we were both happy with from Babies Galore and at a good price. We did choose a 3 wheeler which comes with a bassinet like attachment for when the bub is first born. The way the bassinet is attached to the pram you have full view of bub and bub can see mummy or daddy while being pushed. Once the bub is read to start sitting up and having a look around you just detach the bassinet and put the normal attachment back on.

[Ineedsleep]

I haven't read all the posts but I bought a four wheeler so i could have a moveable handle - not so I could look at the baby while it was little but so when i went walking she wouldn't be pushed into the sun! Yes I have a shade but she likes to look around not be covered in a dark hole.

I wouldn't say the 4 wheelers are heavier than the 3 wheelers (wheels don't weigh that much!!!) the prams are all different weights. Mine is light enough.

My sister in law bought a 3 wheeler and it couldn't fit through the internal restaurant door he he. The other spent so much she can't justify buying a stroller so she'll lug the heavy pram around forever instead! go figure.

I would have liked a 3 wheeler for walking, are they easier on the roads where the road slopes (from middle of road to the side)? Pushing into the sun was out for me.

[watermelon]

We have a Valco Runabout Deluxe 3 wheeler. It comes with all the bells and whistles and looks great, however I'm kind of regretting buying it now.
It is very big and there's no way I can fold it while holding bub. It also just fits in the boot of my car, as its so tall folded up. I have to wedge it in and only goes in on one angle. It can be used from birth and has a flat postion with a head hugger but when it's in this position it's difficult to get to the basket underneath.
I wish we hadn't spent all that money on it ($499) cause now I'm looking at getting a more compact stroller to make life easier.

Sam
DD Sophie 20/7/05

[shanz]

I am pg with no 1 but purchased a three wheeler for when i had my nephews and figured i could use it for my own as well. If you do get a three wheeler you cant see bub when pushing and also bub has to look into sun. I will be getting a new four wheeler for when bub is little and the three wheeler will stay at home. I had a friends bub in the 3 wheeler and i hated the fact that i couldn't see him. So for a new born i'd say definately some thing reversible.

[tickle]

Hi!
I haven't read all of the posts here but thought I would share my experiences.
I purchased a four wheeler when my bub was born, a big comfy one with reversable handle. As most mums find, it got to heavy and big when you have a 12month old and it isn't really necessary. I then brought a lightweight three wheeler for about $150. It handles like a dream!! I have a big windy rocky 400m drive way that is uphill and it plows up there like a dream come true. It is not as comfy as a little baby pram but it is great for my toddler! The only downside I have found, and I'm not sure if it is with all 3 wheelers, is that it has a wider wheel base than my 4 wheeler. I think it is for stability. But this can make it slightly trickier in small shops etc.
I have found this option has worked well for me, especially because my expensive pram is kept well for my new bub.

Ellen