Ten Common Misconceptions About 3 Wheel Compact Stroller That Don't Always Hold
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 on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more when looking for a new stroller. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents 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 also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. 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 stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat difficult to understand. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it more difficult to fold, transport and store.
Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable 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 are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand regular 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 that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. Although 3 wheeled pushchair have attractive price tags and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not function as well in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it might not have all the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in the city. The 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 also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without skimping on comfort or convenience. It has a long list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not remain 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 five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padded crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that jog as it stops them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur and its comfort with a child in it and its ability 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, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body on its own. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It's important to consider how often you will need to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and 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 better to be safe rather than regretting.