Ten Common Misconceptions About 3 Wheel Compact Stroller That Aren't Always True
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller to use for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. The 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 have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Find features that simplify life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on when you are shopping for a new stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested with a clear view on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in your trunk. You can also transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you must replace them. If you intend to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest that you choose one with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not have all the features they would like or may 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 car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in an urban area. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We suggest choosing one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body alone. However, 3 wheeler pushchairs of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It's important to consider the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked however it's safer to be safe than not be.