3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your baby more comfortable. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as a large 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, and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a clear window on the top lets kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a Compact 3 wheel pushchair travel system wheel stroller [Planforexams.com], slim package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit into most 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's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers come with larger wheels, like jogging ones which can make the ride smoother for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include 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 in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive prior to going for a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide an easier ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3 wheel buggies-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there aren't any cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the best 3 wheel pushchair-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when laden with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models However, this advantage decreases when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.