10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. 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 assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're shopping 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, an adjustable canopy and much more. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on rough terrains. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat complicated. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is securely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as an entire travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform as well over the long run. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all the features they would like or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and to store. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel set-up with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. three wheel pushchair rated it based on a product's ability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing the model with a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.