3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your baby more comfortable. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer more performance on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform in the long term. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they would like or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly take public transportation or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there aren't any cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. 3 wheeler pushchair come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with children and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. 3 wheeler pushchair assessed 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 well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort than using your body alone. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers have this option, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken onto the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged but it's always safer to be to be sorry.