3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a jogging stroller or just seeking a stroller that is all-purpose to use for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. The 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 most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many useful features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a glass window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of any kind. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
This jogging stroller features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If pushchair 3 wheels cannot avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only if the child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform as well over the long run. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all of the features they would like or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
3 wheeler pushchairs -wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, however it's worth the investment if you love to travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and they don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child safe during use. The top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on the ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body on its own. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will need to take your stroller on an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and whether it's safe to do it with the stroller in position. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.