Five Things You've Never Learned About 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to 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 test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window at the top allows children to look out while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of any kind. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand 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 accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If 3 wheel buggy are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. Although these strollers often have 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. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
3 wheeled pushchair -wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier stroll for your child, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks into place once it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top choices, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in an urban area. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline and comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We scored it based on a product's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do it. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's better to be safe than regretting.