3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking a stroller for jogging or need a stroller to use for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your baby more convenient. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family, and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a large, clear opening at the top that allows children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that 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 can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as jogging ones that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
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 stroller injuries. They can be particularly 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 safely strapped into the seat and is close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of reducing shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform as well over the long run. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system 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 are sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a quality product that has some great features. It offers a large recline and has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there's no cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of amazing features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes may be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from rolling over when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting a model with a hand brake. 3 wheel pushchair will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting 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 top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to consider how often you will require to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do it with the stroller in position. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe than regretting.