3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone, whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. If you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family, and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. 3 wheeled travel system pushchairsandprams.uk keeps the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested with a clear view at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that takes up little space in your trunk. It is also possible to transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The size and type of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as jogging ones which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you must replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform as well over the long term. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light 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 are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline and has storage space. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down stairs and escalators.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We suggest choosing the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do it. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe than sorry.