3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child more convenient. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family, and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for any stroller. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on 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 overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If 3 wheel pushchair plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not function as well over the long run. In addition many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it may not include all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage effortless. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. Many are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters 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.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there are no cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not sacrificing comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padded straps for crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We scored it based on the ability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. We suggest choosing a model with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. 3 wheel pushchair of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure rather than regretting.