3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry The models were put to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family members and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old 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 an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on rough terrains. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller is a jogging model and comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends 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 easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. 3 wheeler pushchair , like ones that jog have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you must replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are perfect 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 are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transportation a breeze. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, with matching car seat adapters 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 folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It has a spacious recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that jog since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability 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 assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing one with a hand brake, which helps you slow down and stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do this. three wheel pushchair and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's safer to be to be sorry.