3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person seeking a stroller for jogging or need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller that is suitable for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Look for features that simplify life including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which 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 comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
three wheel pushchair folds up in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and then raising 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 a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening and will need to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you while you walk up and down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not have all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that is purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
3 wheel pushchair is a lightweight jogging stroller. It's elegant and can be used as a part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with an easy two-step fold that locks into place once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It offers a large recline and has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
3 wheel pushchair of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from rolling over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We rated it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child loaded and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we recommend a model that has hand brakes, which assists you in slowing down and stop with as little effort than using your body alone. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll require to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do so with the stroller still in position. 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 recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having 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 safety brakes engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than to be sorry.