The One 3 Wheel Compact Stroller Mistake That Every Newbie Makes
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can live without.
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 adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a glass window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. 3 wheeled pushchair aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform in the long haul. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they might not include all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and to store. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex 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 into place after opening.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if often or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline, and also comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is especially important for jogging strollers as it stops them from rolling over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as baby gets heavier. This is why we recommend one with hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and stop with as little effort as using body power alone. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be safe rather than sorry.