3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person looking for a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are essential for any stroller. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
This jogging stroller comes with a fold that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a little complicated. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels at the front are great for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and store. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. 3 wheeled pushchair is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. They also have suspension systems that offer a smoother ride for your little one, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. It's elegant and can be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place once opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can even be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue is that the brakes could be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe than sorry.