3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. If go to the website looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family, and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested with a clear view up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. You can also convert it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on rough terrains. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is somewhat confusing. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function as well in the long haul. Additionally many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it may not include all the features they would like, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage easy. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or live in an urban area. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there are no cups or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback is that the brakes can be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product'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. 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 as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing a model with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. three wheel pushchair and escalators pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than not be.