3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for 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 both pavement and off-road surfaces as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
3 wheel pushchair Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to know 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 plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't make him feel too shaken.
3 wheel pushchair jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're great to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is a bit complicated. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, like ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These are typically more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long run. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they want or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. It's elegant and can also be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats 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 down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain 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, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is especially important for jogging strollers as it stops them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing a model with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body by itself. 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's also important to think about the frequency that you will require to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do it while the stroller is in its position. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than not be.