What You Need To Do With This 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put 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. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. 3 wheel pushchair to determine which features are essential for you and your family members and what you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a glass window on the top lets children to look out while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on rough terrains. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and then raising a 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 overall stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend using it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all of the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and store. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with children and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also looked at the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as your baby grows heavier. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has hand brakes, which helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as using body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having an adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe than regretting.