3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person seeking a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life There's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your child more comfortable. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a glass opening at the top that allows children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that takes only a tiny space in the trunk of your car. You can also convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for any stroller. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and it's small enough to fit in 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 hazy. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer 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 consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These are typically more expensive and commodious than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long run. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not include all the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. 3 wheel buggy recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel often or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of amazing features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers since it prevents them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capability to traverse 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 the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you can use an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be safe rather than regretting.