15 Things You Don t Know About 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 wheel pushchair off road Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. If you're shopping for a new 3 wheel stroller for newborn-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many convenient features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road did not bother him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system with certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide more performance on rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you intend to travel with your stroller frequently, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated 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 take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit pricier than some of our top choices, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or reside in the city. The lightweight 3 wheel pushchair stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel umbrella stroller x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there's no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers as it stops them from flipping over when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3 wheeler pushchair-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can, or having another adult to carry 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 activated. But it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.
