3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family, and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window on the top lets kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes only a tiny space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat confusing. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you plan to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. 3 wheeled pushchair are able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when your child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform as well in the long haul. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they want or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end 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 into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide an easier ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as a part of a travel set-up 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 sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can even be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We rated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do so. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical components which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you can use an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be safe than sorry.