3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of a stroller for jogging or 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 at Sentry, put these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Look for features that simplify life including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you could live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a glass opening at the top that allows children to see out when they are resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and 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.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It requires pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you must replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not function as well over the long haul. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they want or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation a breeze. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. They also have suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. It's elegant and can also be used as part of a travel set-up 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 are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if often or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. www.pushchairsandprams.uk can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It offers a large recline, and also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there are no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes may be difficult to engage and don't remain locked when 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 we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child on it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing one with a hand brake that helps you slow down and stop with as little effort than using your body alone. However, a lot of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe than regretting.