3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person in search of a stroller for jogging or need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller that is suitable for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry The models were put to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Look for features that simplify your life including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a clear window on the top lets children to see out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It involves pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform as well over the long term. Additionally, 3 wheeler pushchair regret buying a bundled product as it may not include all of the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that provide a smoother stroll for your child which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's elegant and can also be used as part of a travel set-up with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or live 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 a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It offers a large recline, and also comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes are difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur and its comfort with a child in it and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It's also important to think about how often you will require to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do it while the stroller is in its position. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard because they move mechanical components that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be safe rather than regretting.