3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine the features that are important to you and your family members and what you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group with a clear view on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. And 3 wheel pushchair 's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in your trunk. You can also convert it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that takes just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit confusing. It involves pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you must replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents regret buying bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your baby and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from rolling over when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing one with a hand brake, which helps you slow down and stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It's also important to think about the frequency that you will need to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do this with the stroller still in the same place. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be secure than sorry.