3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective 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 and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. 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, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window at the top allows children to look out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. They can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. three wheel pushchair can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat and is close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and may not function in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all of the features they want, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's elegant and can be used as a part of a travel set-up with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or live in an urban area. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack tray 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's designed to be as light as it can without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
More Help should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our test have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for those who run, since they are less likely to fall over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. 3 wheel pushchair evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. We suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body alone. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to consider the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do this with the stroller in place. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure than sorry.