3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of a jogging stroller or just seeking a stroller that is all-purpose to use 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 the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family, and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping when you're jogging. 3 wheeler pushchair has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window at the top allows kids to peek out when they are resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system with the best 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 to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. Although visit the next page don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then raising 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 heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function as well in the long run. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they may not have all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. If you plan to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. They also have suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your little one, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. The stroller is elegant and can be used as a 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 are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks into place once it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline and has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is essential for jogging strollers as it stops them from rolling over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We rated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur and its comfort with a child loaded and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be secure than sorry.