3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family, and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes 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 rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works 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 air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in 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 requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better 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.
three wheeled buggies of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging, which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it more difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand frequent 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 stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and store. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your little one which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex 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 opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel often or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It offers a large recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they're not locking after 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 test have five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for those who run, since they are less likely to fall over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing one with a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be secure rather than sorry.