3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child more comfortable. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for a new stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of useful 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 slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window on the top lets children to look out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. 3 wheeled pushchair is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging, which makes the ride easier for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent 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 common stroller-related injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and may not function in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not have all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and store. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system with matching 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 has a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if a lot or live in a city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It has a spacious recline, and also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes may be difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will need to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and whether it's safe to do so while the stroller is in its place. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged but it's always safer to be safe than to be sorry.