3 Ways The 3 Wheel Compact Stroller Influences Your Life
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Find three wheel pushchair that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on, when shopping for a new stroller. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with certain 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.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on rough terrains. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit complicated. It involves pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. 3 wheel buggy on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend using it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. In addition, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it may not include all of the features they desire, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly take public transportation or drive prior to taking a an outing.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if frequently or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack tray for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to 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 protect your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that jog because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as baby gets heavier. We suggest choosing a model with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It's important to consider the frequency that you will need to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do this while the stroller is in its the same place. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be safe rather than regretting.