3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of an jogging stroller, or simply seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your child more convenient. If you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to determine the features that are important to you and your family and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If 3 wheeler pushchair on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for any stroller. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller is a jogging model and comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat confusing. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they desire or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller separately from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. 3 wheeler pushchair can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with matching 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 when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit pricier than some of our top choices, but it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or reside in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there are no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are also difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including 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're not locked after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head should 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 those who run, since it stops them from falling over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated 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 children and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing one with a hand brake that helps you slow down and stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will require to take your stroller on an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do it with the stroller in place. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be safe than regretting.