3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. 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 come with features that make traveling with your child easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and 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 a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you control slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in your trunk. You can also convert it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're great for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a bit complicated. It involves pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers have larger wheels, like jogging ones which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other crowded areas with ease. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother stroll for your child which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. The stroller is elegant and can also be used as part of a travel set-up with matching 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 comes with an easy two-step fold that locks in place when it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline, and it also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. 3 wheel pushchair 's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for strollers that jog since it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We rated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child loaded and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and 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. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. However, a lot of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Escalators and stairs present greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be secure rather than regretting.