I’ve been after a Smart-Trike for the longest time. Winners of practically every award going, and a staple in any self-respecting baby’s back garden, Smart-Trike’s seem to be all the rage here in Reading. I did wonder however, just how practical they’d be for a tour around town rather than a quick ten minute jaunt to the shop and back… I mean, you don’t have the roomy basket of a stroller and there’s not much chance of baby getting in a few zzz’s in a Smart-Trike. With this in mind, I thought I’d report back on my findings just in case any of you are currently in negotiations with Father Christmas about him sending one to your little one in a few weeks’ time.

We plumped for the one of the cheaper models as I’m not so keen on all the fussiness of those little umbrellas. The Smart-Trike 3-in-1 Breeze seemed like the best option as it was suitable from 10 months to 3 years. As Dexter is already 17 months, we wouldn’t need the telescopic handle for very long as he’ll soon be able to peddle himself. I also liked the sound of their patented Touch Steering Technology for easy manoeuvring - I’m not exactly known for my patience and have sold ridiculously expensive strollers for pennies because their wide turning circles have irritated me so much. The description also mentioned non-slip pedals, a safety bar, and a clutch for freewheeling that appealed. As Dexter hasn’t quite worked out what ‘no’, ‘yes’, or even ‘mummy’ means yet, I think we’d have a job instructing him to steer left or right!

First things first, putting it together was a cinch. The instructions were all in pictorial format and were simple to follow. Furthermore most of the components click when in place for added reassurance. I did have a minor panic when I lost a screw but after ten minutes of swearing I finally found it.

Unfortunately the instructions for actual use were not so informative. There’s a little red button on the front wheel which I presumed was something clutch-related, but I couldn’t work out how on earth to use it. As first I thought my Smart-Trike was defective as it kept pinging back up when pressed, but it turns out you have to hold it down and spin the handlebars 360 degrees to activate touch steering. I had to Google it and found many parents criticising this feature and taking their Smart-Trike’s back as they thought they were faulty. Even Smart-Trike’s own YouTube video was woefully short of information. In any case, we soon managed it.

Once we were all set up and ready to go, the Smart-Trike 3-in-1 Breeze was a lot of fun to use. I liked the little basket as it was perfectly sized to take a few nappies, some wipes and a sippy cup for short journeys. I also liked the mini footrest as it kept Dexie’s feet away from the pedals given he’s not old enough to use them yet. I would say however that an option to lock the pedals in a static position when mum or dad is pushing would be a welcome feature. If you child is tall the chances are the pedals will lightly tap their feet as they come full circle. A harness would also be handy as Dexter got a little too excited at times and shunted himself out of the seat and onto the crossbar. He didn’t seem in any discomfort but for peace of mind this would have been helpful.

Steering was fine. It certainly wasn’t ‘a breeze’, but it didn’t stop us having a good time. Going in a straight line was probably harder than turning left or right - but this was down to Dexter kicking the pedals and steering us off course (again locking the pedals would have counteracted this). It didn’t stop him from having the best time ever though - he giggled the entire time and loved it when his Uncle Paul went really fast or pulled a sneaky wheelie. In fact, so in love was my son that he didn’t want to come out! Not even a cookie would calm him down when I plucked him out.

For just £39.99 at Argos, it’s a real bargain. Having said that, if you can afford a little more and would consider the next model up (say the Zoo £89.99, or the Safari £79.99) I believe you’ll be even more delighted- with padded seats, a coordinating bag, and more robust parent handle - your baby will have an even more comfy ride. For us however, the Breeze works perfectly and Dexter simply loves it.

On the subject of Argos… their list of Dream Toys 2013 will be available come November. It’s well worth keeping a close eye on this as Argos’ predictions are always spot on (I have a feeling a few Furby’s and a certain Hugging Elmo will be featured…). If you’re trying to get ahead of the curve, this list will contain all the toys Santa and his elves are likely to be mass producing this Christmas.