3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that simplify life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on when looking for the latest stroller. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family, and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads content 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 among the strollers we tested, and a glass window on the top lets kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that takes up a small space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide 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 down in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother ride for babies. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. three wheel pushchair can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly 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 safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they may not come with all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. They also have suspension systems that give a more comfortable ride for your little one which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with 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 more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money If you're a lover of travel or reside in an urban area. The stroller is lightweight and can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product that has some great features. It has a spacious recline, and also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about how often you will have to take your stroller on a set of stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do it with the stroller still in the same place. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked however it's safer to be safe than sorry.