3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Find features that make life easier including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. three wheel pushchair comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on rough terrains. Solid tires are not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into 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 confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important factor to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as jogging ones which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to swap 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. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to taking a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give an easier ride for your baby which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board sold separately). More Help folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or live in an urban area. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be difficult to activate and don't 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 strollers in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they can be especially risky 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 ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. 3 wheeled pushchair looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do so. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than sorry.