3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller to use for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller 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 testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your little one more comfortable. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's crucial to decide what features are important to you and your family, and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. 3 wheeler pushchairs can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a glass window at the top allows children to look out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a little difficult to understand. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging with larger wheels can provide a smoother ride for baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you intend to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend you purchase a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often 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 frequent stroller-related injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well over the long term. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation effortless. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's 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 are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has storage space. However, 3 wheeler pushchair are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We scored it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child on it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. 3 wheeler pushchairs assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body by itself. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with 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. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's better to be safe rather than sorry.