Silver Cross Reef 2 vs. Wave 3 Stroller

It’s time for an epic showdown between two titans!

Connoisseurs of high-end baby products know that strollers don’t get much better than the ones produced by the luxury UK brand, Silver Cross.

Although both strollers are quite new to the market, the Reef 2 and Wave 3 have already garnered so many accolades we thought it would be fun to pit them against each other in a winner-take-all contest for stroller superiority and bragging rights!

By the end of this article, you’ll know everything about these two carriages and which one will be a better fit for your family and lifestyle.

 

A Quick Overview

The most obvious difference between these two is that the Reef 2 is a single stroller, while the Wave 3 is a convertible single-to-double. That alone can heavily influence your purchasing decision, as most parents-to-be have a good idea about how many children they plan on adding to their family.

The Wave 3 double stroller comes with a seat, bassinet, and tandem seat (for kiddo #2), while the Reef 2 only comes with a seat. If you wish to add a bassinet to the Reef 2, you can do so by picking up the Reef 2 First Bed Folding Bassinet. Also designed for use with the Reef 2 is the Reef Newborn Pod. Both strollers can be transformed into travel systems with compatible 3rd party car seats with car seat adapters (Lower Wave Adapter, Upper Wave Adapters, Reef Adapters).

Additionally, you can use a toddler board with both strollers to carry an older child.

Toe to Toe

Reef 2 Specs:

• Suitable from birth (with seat in flat position, in bassinet, Reef Newborn Pod, or infant car seat) up to 55 lbs
• Open Dimensions: 33” L x 23.5” W x 39-44” H
• Folded Dimensions: 19” L x 23.5” W x 29” H
• Weight: 27.5 lbs. (excluding bumper bar
  
  

Wave 3 Specs:

• Bassinet: From birth to 4–6 months (or until baby pushes up/rolls over)
• Main & Tandem Seats: 6 months to 55 lbs
• Open Dimensions: 43.72" L x 23.5" W x 37-43" H
• Folded Dimensions: 37.4" L x 23.6" W x 15.55" H
• Chassis Weight: 23.5 lbs
• Bassinet Weight: 8.5 lbs
• Main Seat Weight: 5.8 lbs
• Tandem Seat Weight: 5.3 lbs
  
  

Being a single stroller, the Reef 2 is smaller in both the open and folded positions. However, the Wave 3’s larger size is the reason it can hold 2 children at the same time (it can even hold 3 when used with the Silver Cross Toddler Board attachment!).

Identical Baby Vehicles

In some ways, The Reef and Wave are very much alike. Here’s a list of features they share that makes using them so darn delightful:

Genius Harness System: Silver Cross’ no-fuss harness. Generously padded for comfort, it has a magnetic buckle for easy assembly and a sliding adjustor to perfectly fit your child as they grow.

Similar Seat: The included seats on both strollers feature multiple positions, an adjustable calf/footrest, and reversible orientation.

Bumper Bars: Vegan leather-wrapped bumper bars that open like a gate for easy loading.

Close at Hand: Telescoping handlebar for a customized push.

Robust Wheels: Puncture-proof, all-terrain wheels with suspension for an ultra-smooth ride. Lockable front swivel wheels for straight-line strolling.

Compact Size: Both fold neatly for storage or car trunk.

Rainy Days: Include a rain cover and bug net for weather protection.

 

Where They Differ

Silver Cross designed the Reef 2 and Wave 3 to excel in specific areas, so there are more than a few ways where they differ:

Reef 2 Riding Modes:

• Single-stroller
• Lie-flat seat for Newborns
• Need to purchase Bassinet or Reef Newborn Pod(if desired)
  

Wave 3 Riding Modes:

• Single-to-Double Stroller
• Seat is not newborn-friendly (must use bassinet or infant car seat)
  
• 12 built-in modes with included Bassinet,Toddler Seat, and Tandem Seat
• Up to 30 modes total with accessories
• Learn more about the Wave 3's configurations, here.
  
  

Additional differences include:

• The Reef 2 retails for $1,350, while the Wave 3 is priced at $1,900 due to its additional components and versatility.
  
  
• The Reef 2 holds 2 children (one on the stroller, one on the toddler board), while the Wave 3 holds up to 3 (two on stroller, one on toddler board).
  
  
• Reef 2 comes with a single seat. Wave 3 includes a seat, bassinet, and tandem seat.
  
  
• The Wave 3 has an elevated seating position option for better parent-baby connection.
  
  
• Reef 2 comes in updated luxe tones and fabric textures, while Wave 3 is available in Caramel and Licorice with refined British tailoring.
  
  
• The Reef 2 folds vertically and self-stands, the Wave 3 folds more horizontally.
  
  
• The storage basket on the Reef 2 holds less at 22 lbs, while the Wave 3’s basket holds a generous 33 lbs.
  
• Wave 3 includes a mosquito net, rain cover, cup holder, and two bumper bars, while Reef 2 includes a rain cover.
  

And the Winner Is…

The Reef 2 and Wave 3 strollers are both winners, but they serve two completely different purposes.

Growing families or parents of twins should go for the Wave 3. It comfortably holds multiple children and future-proofs your family strolls with up to 30 possible modes.

However, if you’re set on only having one child or have children with a wide age gap, the Reef 2 may be the way to go. Its urban-friendly design, sustainable fabrics, and smooth ride make it a beautiful choice for everyday use.

Regardless of what stroller you pick, Silver Cross will ensure you and your baby cruise around in style—plus have the functionality to make every outing easier and more comfortable.