3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life, there's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your child more enjoyable. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested with a clear view at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that takes only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for any stroller. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer better performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you are planning to travel with your stroller often, we suggest you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not have all the features they desire or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, with 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 in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in a city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cups or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage, and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down stairs and escalators.
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 occur and its comfort with a child on it and its capacity to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the 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 more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. We recommend choosing 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. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only 3 wheeled pushchairs of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do it. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it's better to be safe than regretting.