3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and offer convenience by the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform in the long haul. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all the features they want, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive before going on an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They are often equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when reclined and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padding straps for crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. 3 wheel buggy Push Chairs & Prams 's why we recommend choosing a model that has hand brakes, which assists you in slowing down and stop without as much effort as using body power alone. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. But it's safer to be safe rather than sorry.