5 Clarifications On 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone, whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. 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 best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your little one more comfortable. If you're shopping for a brand new 3 wheel infant stroller-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine the features that are important to you and your family members and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that takes only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as an entire travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not perform in the long haul. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not have all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make transport and storage a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer a smoother ride for your baby and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can also be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline, and also has storage space. However there are some parents who 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 a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We scored it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body by itself. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top 3 Wheel strollers fixed-wheel models has it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than sorry.