3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. 3 wheeled pushchair tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Look for features that make life easier for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on when you are shopping for a new stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are not negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. 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 also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are essential for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing the button in the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you must replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long run. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they desire, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport effortless. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that give an easier stroll for your child and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a good 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, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. 3 wheel buggy comes with a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of impressive features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects 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 particularly important for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than the 4-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to consider the frequency you'll require to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator and whether or not it will be safe to do it with the stroller still in the same place. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's better to be safer than not be.