3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for use in everyday life There's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are not negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can be content with.
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 adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a clear 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 comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for any stroller. 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 simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers come with larger wheels, like jogging ones that can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller we recommend using it when the child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long-term. In addition 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 vehicle or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, with car seat adapters 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 down in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel often or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, like an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable, cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a customised 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 come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. 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 remove car seats (if appropriate).
3 wheeled pushchair have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.