3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast 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 out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or 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 much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a clear window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into 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 with certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
3 wheeler pushchair are crucial for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. They can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk 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 prices and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they want or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation easy. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. It's an elegant stroller that can 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 sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's 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. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline and has extra storage. However there are three wheel pushchair who are dissatisfied in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are a little 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 during use. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from rolling over when they're going down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as baby gets heavier. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which helps you slow down and stop without as much effort as relying on body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll have to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether it's safe to do it with the stroller still in place. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe than regretting.