The Next Big Trend In The 3 Wheel Compact Stroller Industry
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use every day. The 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 top strollers come with features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family, and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. 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 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 kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it if your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well in the long run. Many parents regret buying bundles because they may not come with all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation effortless. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give an easier stroll for your child, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's a stylish 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, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into 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 is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not sacrificing comfort or convenience. pushchairsandprams.uk comes with a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We suggest choosing one with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body on its own. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It's important to consider the frequency that you will require to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do so with the stroller in the same place. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. But it's better to be safe than regretting.