3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on pavement 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 child more comfortable. Find features that make life easier for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on, when shopping for the latest stroller. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you control slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take up little space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential for any stroller. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is somewhat difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, three wheel pushchair increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels at the front are great for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform in the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they may not come with all the features they want or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. They are often equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel often or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline, and also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated 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 then attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body on its own. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked but it's always better to be safer than to be sorry.