3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person seeking an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for use in everyday life, there's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your child more convenient. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to determine the features that are important to you and your family, and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a clear opening at the top that allows children to look out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that will take only a tiny space in your trunk. You can also convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on terrains that are rough. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a bit confusing. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at 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 significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models we offer 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 swap them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an 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 walk up and down.
Some strollers are sold as an entire travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. three wheel pushchair is particularly useful for families that frequently use public transportation or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks in place when opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if often or live in a city. 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 even be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage, and they don't lock when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend selecting the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.