5 Lessons You Can Learn From 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 wheel stroller Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages regardless of 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 their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your little one more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3 wheeler buggies-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family members and what you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3 wheeler pushchair off road-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with certain infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing 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 all kinds. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded and is small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a bit complicated. It requires pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide more performance on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother experience for infants. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening and will need to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot 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 wheel on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as an entire travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it may not have all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. They are often equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. It's elegant and can be used as part of a travel system, with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position after opening.
Another stylish twin 3 wheel stroller-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It offers a large recline, and also has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child on it, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting a model with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe than regretting.
