3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your little one more comfortable. Look for features that simplify life for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for a new stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window on the top lets kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that takes up little space in your trunk. You can also convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller 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 day-to-day use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. Although three wheel pushchair have attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well over the long haul. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system with 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 in place after opening.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money if you love to travel or reside in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
3 wheeler pushchair is a good product with a few nice features. It offers a large recline and has storage space. However, 3 wheeled pushchair are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for strollers that jog since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to think about the frequency that you will need to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do this with the stroller still in place. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than not be.