3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of a stroller for jogging or need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family and what you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a glass opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system with certain 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.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of any kind. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat difficult to understand. It requires pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to consider. 3 wheeler pushchair that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. 3 wheel buggy prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These are typically more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they would like, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
three wheel pushchair -wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. The stroller is elegant and can be used as a part of a travel system, 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 folds down in two steps and locks into position after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen has some nice features, like a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too 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's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features like a huge basket and a single-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that jog because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and stop without as much effort as using body power alone. However, a lot of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It's also important to think about how often you will need to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator and whether or not it will be safe to do it with the stroller still in the same place. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be safe than to be sorry.