3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. Find features that simplify your life including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and so on when looking for the latest stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't shake him up too much.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with certain 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.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that takes just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. 3 wheeled pushchair involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
3 wheeled pushchair of the overall stroller is a significant factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones which can make the ride smoother for your baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend you purchase a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well in the long run. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage a breeze. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. They are often equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's 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 has simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or reside in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cups or a snack tray for children. The brakes can be a bit 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 it can without skimping on comfort or convenience. It has a long list of features that are impressive like a huge basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child safe during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. That's why we recommend choosing one with hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be taken onto an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than not be.