3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone 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 tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and so on, when shopping for a new stroller. It's crucial to decide 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 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 keeps the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear window at the top allows children to look out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in the trunk of your car. You can also convert it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must for any stroller. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat difficult to understand. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as jogging ones that makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer 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 plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep 3 wheeled pushchair to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long term. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they may not have all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. 3 wheeled pushchair is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's elegant and can be used as a part of a travel set-up with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in an urban area. This 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 to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely 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 many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our test have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing one with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body on its own. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will require to take your stroller on an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do it with the stroller in position. Escalators and stairs present more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's better to be safer than sorry.