3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your little one more convenient. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family members and what you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. 3 wheeler pushchair helps keep the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a clear window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be somewhat confusing. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. They can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels at the front are great for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when your child is secured in the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by reducing shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform in the long haul. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It offers a large recline, and it also comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without skimping on comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body on its own. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to think about how often you will need to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do so while the stroller is in its position. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. three wheel pushchair of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than sorry.