3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family members and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a clear window on the top lets children to look out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps in the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. 3 wheeler pushchair www.pushchairsandprams.uk involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide better performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is safely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform as well in the long run. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they would like or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there are no cups or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing 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 are difficult to activate, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when laden with a child and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake that helps you slow down and stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's safer to be secure than sorry.
