3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child easier. Find features that simplify your life, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for a new stroller. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. 3 wheeler pushchair adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you intend to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation effortless. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They also have suspension systems that give an easier ride for your little one and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. The stroller is elegant and can be used as a part of a travel system with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller comes with simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top choices, but it's well worth the money If you're a lover of travel or live 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 features an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there are no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a long 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 don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child loaded, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we recommend one with hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be safe rather than sorry.
