3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of an jogging stroller, or simply seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Find features that simplify life, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of 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 slipping away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a clear window at the top allows kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take up little space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
3 wheeler pushchairs folds down in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide more performance on rough terrain. However, 3 wheeled pushchairs find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult 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. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. Many parents regret purchasing bundles because they may not come with all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation effortless. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. They also have suspension systems that give an easier ride for your baby and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as 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 has 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. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padded straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake that allows you to slow down and stop without as much effort as relying on body power alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Escalators and stairs present more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure than regretting.