3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person looking for a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller out there 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 traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window at the top allows children to see out while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging 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. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide better performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide 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 intend to travel with your stroller frequently, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently 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 accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as 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-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and to store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. 3 wheeled buggies 's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller has an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if often or live in a city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline and has storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there are no cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes can also be 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 the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake, which helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort than using your body alone. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Escalators and stairs present more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be safe than to be sorry.