Who s The World s Top Expert On 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller 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 both pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your child more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3 wheel infant stroller-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a clear window at the top allows children to see out while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks when folded, and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat confusing. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can 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 aspect. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it harder to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you must replace them. If you plan to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up and down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not have all the features they would like or may not be compatible 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 in case you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller comes with an easy two-step fold that locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3 wheel baby buggy-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel stroller with bassinet x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when reclined and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that jog because it prevents them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur and its comfort with a child in it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3 wheel stroller travel system-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body by itself. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.