3 wheel strollers
When it comes to buying a stroller, what seems
like an easy job can soon prove difficult as you discover there are
heaps on the market and they all seem to have similar features.
It's only after you've used your stroller for a while that you can
really judge how it performs and whether it is right for
you.
We want to give you an idea of the
variety of three-wheel strollers out there, and to help take some
of the guesswork out of choosing what's right for you. First, let's
go over a checklist of things you'll need to know before buying a
stroller.
Things to consider
• If you plan on having another baby at some point, it's
a good idea to find a stroller that can adapt to transport more
than one child.
• Check the accessories. If you want a sun shade or rain cover, do
they come with the stroller or do you buy them separately?
• If you're going to buy a capsule or bassinette for your newborn,
do you want one that you can use with your stroller? Is it easy to
attach and detach?
• What kind of terrain will you be using it on? If you're going for
lots of walks, an all-terrain stroller may be more appropriate. If
you're planning on using it for shopping and taking on holiday, you
may only need something light and easy to pack and carry.
• Check manoeuvrability. Wheels do make a difference. Bigger rubber
tyres absorb some shocks and tend to handle all terrains better,
giving your baby a more comfortable ride (as long as the tyres are
inflated enough).
• Swivel wheels on three-wheeled strollers make steering easy. If
you're planning to use them on rough terrains or for jogging, look
for those that you can lock, as it gives greater stability.
• How are the brakes? There are generally two types of brakes -
single-bar brakes that work across the back tyres together, or
individual brakes on each wheel.
• Does the seat recline so your little one can have a sleep in
it?
• Is it easy to handle and manoeuvre?
• Does it have good storage? Many strollers have baskets and
pockets, but you do need to be careful not to overload them.
• Does the canopy provide shade? Does it lock into place? Some have
a "peeking"window you can open to see your child.
• Are there bumper bars to serve as a barrier against your child
falling out if unrestrained, footrests to keep your child's feet
from touching the ground or the wheels, or straps on the handle bar
that attach to your wrist to prevent the stroller rolling away if
you accidentally lose your grip?
• Before you buy, check to see if it fits in the boot of your
car.
• Ask your friends if you can "test drive" their strollers.
• Visit the OHbaby! Message Boards (www.ohbaby.co.nz) and ask for other
mothers' experiences of the strollers that you have
short-listed.
• Choose a stroller that complies with the Australian/New Zealand
Standard (AS/NZS 2088) for safety.
• For best safety, choose a stroller with a 5-point restraint
harness. This means straps that go between the legs, over the
shoulders, and around the waist.
• Make sure the stroller is secure and stable, and that its
components feel rigid, not flimsy.
• Check that the adjustable back locks into place securely.
• Learn how to fold and use the stroller before you buy, and do it
several times before you leave the store with it. There is nothing
worse than getting frustrated after you've bought it.
Phil & Teds Sport
($699 single, $829 double)
Things we liked:
• The toddler seat, which can be fixed to the front or
back.
• You can easily fit through stores and aisles - side-by-side
double strollers are too wide for this.
• Handled well on all terrains.
• Highly adaptable and has great longevity. You can use it for
newborns, babies, and toddlers; accessories can convert it into a
"Lazy Ted" bouncinette; you can attach a capsule.
• Easy to fold down; fits in the boot easily.
Things we noticed:
• Weight distribution with two children affected manoeuvrability
and made steering very directional. We put the older/heavier child
in the bottom so the front tyre could swivel easily.
• With two children in the buggy, be careful when taking them out.
With the heavier weight at the bottom, the laws of gravity kick in
and it can tip.
• You have to buy a tyre pump, rain cover and sun shade.
Accessories:
Toddler seat, "Lazy Ted" bouncinette adaptor, travel bag, saddle
bags, hangbag and belt, cocoon, rain covers, sun shades.
Bottom line
A very practical three-wheeled stroller.
Mountain Buggy Urban Elite
($749)
Things we liked:
• It was so easy to handle. Even with a child in it, you can easily
manoeuvre it around shop aisles and footpaths with only one
hand.
• It comes with a tyre pump, seat liner and nappy bag.
• Fits easily through store/café doorways and aisles.
• It looks great and handled well on all terrains.
• You can buy a separate carry cot to attach to the buggy for your
newborn.
• It was easy to fold down.
Things we noticed:
• The buggy did fold down easily but took up a reasonable amount of
space in the boot. However, we could still fit groceries around
it.
Accessories:
Storm cover, sun cover, travel bag, carseat clips, hand brake,
bumper bar, kiddy board, sleeping bag, mother's bag, buggy
liners.
Bottom line
Based on the classic Urban Mountain Buggy design, it's a solid
choice.
Quinny Zapp
($399)
Things we liked:
• It was easy to handle and lightweight.
• It looks great, with very cool, contemporary styling.
• It was easy to assemble and fold down.
• Comes with great accessories including a storm cover, sun canopy,
carry bag and infant capsule adaptors.
Things we noticed:
• The buggy took up the smallest amount of space in the boot (than
the others).
Accessories:
Bike carrier, storm cover, sub canopy, carry bag, capsule adaptors,
kiddy board.
Bottom line
A city-slicker stroller. Great for around town, it's lightweight,
compact and ideal for travelling.
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