3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of a stroller for jogging or need a stroller to use for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry The models were put to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. Look for features that simplify life, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a clear 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 don't make him feel too shaken.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers come with larger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, 3 wheeled pushchairs -filled tires can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel with your stroller a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend using it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as an entire travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long term. Additionally, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it may not include all of the features they would like or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as 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 features a simple two-step fold and locks in place when opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top choices, but it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or live in a city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with 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 adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there aren't any cups or a snack tray for children. 3 wheeler pushchairs are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body by itself. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers can be carried up the stairs or an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than not be.