3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. The 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 best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your child more enjoyable. Look for features that simplify your life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when looking for a new stroller. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of 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 comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road did not bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert 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.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating potholes and bumps effortlessly.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride smoother for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. pushchair 3 wheels -filled tires are prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller we recommend using it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long run. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller separately from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. They also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller features a simple two-step fold and locks into place once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, like an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while going up or down stairs and escalators.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it based on the ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child on it and its capacity to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's better to be safe rather than sorry.