3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. Look for 3 wheel buggy that simplify life including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family, and what you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a clear window at the top allows kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on terrains that are rough. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is somewhat difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
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 injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that 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 standalone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long term. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage a breeze. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently take public transport or drive to take 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. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. It's an elegant stroller that can 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 sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or reside in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there are no cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of amazing features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage, and they're not 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 best-scoring models in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake, which helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be taken onto an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be safe than sorry.