3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life There's a three-wheel compact stroller 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.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many 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 rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. And Jenni's 3-year-old 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 can fold into a slim, compact package that takes only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential for any stroller. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is somewhat difficult to understand. It involves pressing an icon 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 simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents discover that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel with your stroller frequently, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and may not function in the long term. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish 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 sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, however it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline and comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing 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 drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child secure during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for those who run, since it stops them from falling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).
3 wheel pushchairs have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will have to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if it's safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be carried up the stairs or an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.