5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. Look for features that make life easier for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and so on when looking for the latest stroller. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family members and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear window at the top allows children to look out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system with select 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.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. 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 easily.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat complicated. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide more performance on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or 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 when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well over the long haul. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they may not come with all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the near future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your baby which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3 Wheel Tandem Stroller-wheeled jogging stroller. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also 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 comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on a product's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3 wheel strollers-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is important to consider how often you will have to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do it while the stroller is in its position. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers can be carried up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.