3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person seeking a stroller for jogging or seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. The key is determining what features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a large, clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you control slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that takes only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening and have to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep 3 wheel buggy to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform in the long term. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all the features they want or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive before going on an outing.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact 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 infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a long list of amazing features like a huge 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 locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, 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 turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than the 4-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We suggest choosing a model with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll require to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and whether it's safe to do this while the stroller is in its place. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brakes engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.