3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry The models were put to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family, and those you can live without.
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 can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat confusing. It requires pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller 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 daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones that makes the ride easier for your baby. 3 wheel pushchair can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform in the long term. Additionally, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all of the features they want, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in an urban area. The stroller is lightweight and 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 an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It offers a large recline, and also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there's no cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padded crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is particularly important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
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 ability to maneuver when loaded with children 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 the backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if applicable).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It's also important to think about the frequency you'll require to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if it's safe to do this with the stroller in place. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If 3 wheel buggy to use an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be carried up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked but it's always better to be safer than to be sorry.