3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you’re a health-conscious person in search of an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use, there’s a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your little one more comfortable. If you’re shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three wheeler pushchairs different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away when you’re jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we’ve seen in our test group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they’re relaxing. Jenni’s 3 wheeler pushchair-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won’t shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep your grip 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 be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they’re excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It’s not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is somewhat confusing. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We’d prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into 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 a lighter one and could provide superior 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 size and type of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can’t avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it when your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well in the long haul. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation easy. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable stroll for your child and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you’re seeking a jogging stroller that doesn’t weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. The stroller is an elegant 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 down in two steps and locks into position 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 picks, but it’s well worth the money if you love to travel or reside in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel twin stroller wheel travel stroller, like it, x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn’t lie flat when reclined, and there aren’t any cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue is that the brakes could be difficult to activate and don’t remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child’s head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from flipping over when they’re going up and down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child in it and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We suggest choosing a model with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don’t have this feature. Only one of our best 3 wheel travel system-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you’ll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do so. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. But it’s better to be safe than regretting.
