3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking a jogging stroller or just need a stroller to use 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 the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your little one more convenient. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This stroller for jogging also comes with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers used on rough terrains. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller is a jogging model and comes with a fold that takes just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
3 wheeler pushchair and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will need to be changed 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 longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long run. In 3 wheel buggy , many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and to store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They also have suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if a lot or live in a city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It offers a large recline, and it also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack tray for children. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated 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 attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
3 wheeler pushchair found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We suggest choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body on its own. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is important to consider how often you will have to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do it with the stroller in place. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged but it's always safer to be safe than to be sorry.