3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for a stroller for jogging or need a stroller for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your child more enjoyable. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. The most important thing is to determine 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 is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't shake him up too much.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks into place when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
pushchairsandprams of a stroller is an important factor to consider. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide better performance in 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 ones that jog, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you must replace them. If you intend to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase a model 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 getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only if the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long-term. In addition, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it may not include all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded with ease. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there are no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as it can without skimping on comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padded straps for crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling 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 ability to bounce and turn 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 assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.