3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents 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 we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing 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 great for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one 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 is more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers, like ones that jog, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother ride for babies. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to change 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 endure contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it may not include all of the features they want or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase a 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 future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact rear facing 3 wheel stroller wheel strollers are easy to fold and to store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact 3 wheel Stroller (duelund-anderson.Hubstack.net) stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position after opening.
Another stylish 3 wheel infant stroller-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or reside in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.pushchair 3 wheels x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline and comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes are 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 sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't remain locked 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 top-scoring products in our review feature a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers as it stops them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child loaded, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body on its own. However, many 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 how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers 3 wheels may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be safe than regretting.