3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person looking for 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, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that make life easier including a big storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. three wheel pushchair comes with the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a glass opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they're resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds into 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 set-up with certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps easily.
The jogging stroller folds in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a bit complicated. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels can provide a smoother experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents regret buying bundles because they may not have all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, with matching 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 into position when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there's no cups or a snack tray for children. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padded crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing one with a hand brake that helps you slow down and stop without as much effort than using your body alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. 3 wheel buggy of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe than sorry.