3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for an jogging stroller, or simply seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for use in everyday life, there's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a glass opening at the top that allows children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. 3 wheeler pushchair folds into a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on rough terrains. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
This jogging stroller features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not come with all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. 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, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place when 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 worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It offers a large recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there are no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padded crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. 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 on its own. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do so. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure than sorry.