3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you could be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. 3 wheeled pushchair can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are a must for any stroller. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks when folded, and is compact 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 to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the 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 crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience by the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well over the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they may not have all the features they want or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. 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 best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that give a more comfortable ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that 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 are sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in an urban area. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a long list of amazing features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting a model with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body by itself. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe rather than regretting.