3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for use in everyday life, there's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more convenient. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear window on the top lets kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. 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 on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for strollers of any kind. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you plan to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Additionally, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it may not include all the features they want or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a an outing.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. The stroller is elegant and can also be used as part of a travel system with 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 folds in two steps and locks into position after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.
3 wheel pushchair is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We recommend choosing one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe than sorry.