3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more comfortable. If you're shopping for a new 3 wheel stroller with bassinet-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This stroller for jogging also comes with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and can provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not have all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel buggies wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish 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, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
Another nice-looking lightest 3 wheel stroller-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 an urban area. The stroller is lightweight 3 wheel pushchair and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline, and also comes with storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for those who run, since they are less likely to fall over while going up or down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We rated it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child in it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3 Wheel pushchair cheap-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we recommend one with hand brakes, which helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk because they move mechanical components which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you can use an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's safer to be sorry.