Like the B-Smart 4-wheeler, the B-Smart 3-wheeler becomes a travel system if you add one of Britax’s compatible car seats, all of which use Britax’s simple 'Click & Go' attachment system. I tested the B-Smart 3-wheeler with the Britax BABY-SAFE plus SHR car seat.
The B-Smart is suitable from birth and can be used as a rear facing (parent facing) or forward facing buggy. The bumper bar pivots to let you easily strap your baby in and there are pockets in useful places, such as in the shopping basket. The 3-wheeler model has a swiveled or easy-to-fix front wheel and puncture-resistant tyres (that’s non-inflatable to you and me).
What we love
The 'Click & Go' system for attaching the car seat to the buggy chassis is fantastic, especially if you have the SHR car seat as we did (SHR stands for single handed release). I can attach or remove the car seat from the buggy chassis with one hand, which is great for me as I have three other children to hold onto! Also, I really can click and go - there are no supplementary bits to do, unlike some travel systems.
In its 3-wheeled version, the B-Smart is very stable and would turn on a sixpence. It is also 1kg lighter than its predecessor and easier to manoeuvre, so good about town. The one-touch on/off brake is the easiest I’ve used.
It’s a very easy to push 3-wheeler and has dealt effortlessly with most of the terrain I’ve tried it on. Whilst not quite as smooth as air-filled tyres, the non-inflatable ones on the Britax do a good job. I would not run off-road with this buggy, but walking is fine and Freya’s kept quite still in spite of the bumps, unless we go too quickly.
The B-Smart 3-wheeler also unfolds one-handed and the chassis easily clicks together, which is great when in hurry.
The revamped hood is still very large and provides a good deal of coverage when in a shower. The best part of the hood is that the zip around the middle extends the hood further to create a sunshade. This makes it simple to shield Freya’s eyes when the sun does appear. The hood’s been made a tad more compact, which reduces the buggy’s folded size, and it now has extenders to make it big enough for an older toddler or child.
The ability for the B-Smart to now fold a little smaller, as well as its slightly lower weight, means it feels like a real option for those with smaller boot sizes.
The seat hasn’t changed much between the 2010 and 2011 models and would still be great for a small baby, especially now that it can recline flatter. For Freya, 1, I have the seat upright, in a rear facing position, and there’s plenty of room. The seat is wide and deep, and once the apron is removed, leg length isn’t limited, so the buggy appears as though it could deal well with your growing child.
The 2011 model now boasts a double depth basket. The seat padding seems to have been improved and the harness covers are definitely softer on the skin. The adjustable handle can also take both my husband’s 6’2” frame and 5’3” me.
What to watch out for
As 3-wheelers go, the Britax B-Smart is a very manoeuvrable buggy but not as great off-road as those with inflatable tyres. The suspension on the B-Smart is adequate for small bumps and jolts, but if you want to go at any speed, keep the terrain reasonably flat.
There really aren’t any major flaws you can point to with the B-Smart. The shopping basket is still a little low at the back and while I worry things might fall out, I haven’t lost anything so far.
One of the improvements of the B-Smart is that a raincover is included in the price. However, this is offset by the fact the apron isn’t included as standard anymore.
To make this travel system perform at its best for your newborn, be prepared to purchase a cosytoes or soft carrycot to cocoon your small baby.
Who is the Britax B-Smart 3-wheeler travel system (2011 model) best for?
New parents seeking a versatile 3-wheeler that as at home in the town as in the country.
The Britax B-Smart’s changes are for the better, and it offers a good performance on a variety of terrains. If you purchase a carrycot, or opt for the Britax BABY-SAFE sleeper lie-flat car seat, you’ll have an almost perfect travel system that will last your little one from birth to toddlerhood.
