3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your little one more enjoyable. Look for features that simplify your life for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on when you are shopping for a new stroller. 3 wheeled pushchair is to determine which features are not negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that are used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. 3 wheel buggy 'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as jogging ones that can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and 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. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you are planning to take your stroller with you frequently, 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 that have swivel wheels on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest 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 a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not function as well in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation easy. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which 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 Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top choices, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It offers a large recline, and it also comes with storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied in its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too 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 impressive features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. 3 wheel pushchair rated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child in it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body by itself. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.