3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages 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 at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. Look for features that simplify your life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group with a clear view at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires are not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect 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 more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you are planning to travel with your stroller a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well over the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they might not include all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. 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 most 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and to store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive prior to taking a an outing.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other crowded areas with ease. They also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable stroll for your child which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can 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 folds in two steps and locks into place after opening.
Another nice-looking 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 you travel a lot or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with 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 must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs, where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. three wheel pushchair suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body by itself. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is important to consider the frequency you'll need to take your stroller on a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do it with the stroller in place. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.