3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. 3 wheel buggy , Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more convenient. Find features that make life easier including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on when you are shopping for the latest stroller. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family, and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat and is 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 products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they want or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the near future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly take public transportation or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, 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 folds in two steps and locks into position once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches 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.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It has a long list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing one with a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and stop with as little effort as using body power alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It's important to consider the frequency that you will require to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do this while the stroller is in its position. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can use an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be safe rather than sorry.