3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your little one more enjoyable. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more when looking for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you're able to be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. 3 wheeler pushchairs has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a clear opening at the top that allows children to see out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that takes only a tiny space in your trunk. It is also possible to transform it into 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 any stroller. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and must replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller with you often, we suggest that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not perform in the long run. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and to store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This 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 the Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller features a simple two-step fold and locks into place once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It offers a large recline and comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and they're not locking after the stroller is folded.
3 wheeled pushchair of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog because it prevents them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs, where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. 3 wheeled pushchair scored it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. 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 and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and stop without as much effort as relying on body power alone. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is important to consider how often you will need to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do this with the stroller still in position. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be carried up a set of stairs or an escalator, with their safety brakes engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.