3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for a jogging stroller or just seeking a stroller that is all-purpose to use for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry The models were put to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more convenient. Look for features that simplify life including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you could live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. 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 slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers used on rough terrains. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be somewhat complicated. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening and will need to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they desire, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel system with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if a lot or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there are no cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our test have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
3 wheel pushchair found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. That's why we recommend choosing one with a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and stop with as little effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than sorry.