10 Quick Tips To 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your child more convenient. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller 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, a movable canopy and much more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that takes up little space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps easily.
This jogging stroller comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide more performance on rough terrain. However, many parents discover that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can provide a smoother ride for baby. However, larger wheels also add to 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 a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also 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 comes with simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, however it's worth the cost if you love to travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there are no cups or a snack tray for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a long list of features that are impressive like a huge basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since it stops them from falling over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
3 wheeled buggies discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has a hand brake, which helps you slow down and stop without as much effort as using body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to think about the frequency that you will have to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do so with the stroller in the same place. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be secure than sorry.