3 wheel umbrella stroller Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking a stroller for jogging or looking for an all-purpose stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on 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 life on the go with your baby more convenient. Look for features that simplify life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. And Jenni's 3 wheel travel stroller-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't shake him up too much.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into the size of a compact, slim package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up 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 easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near 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 overall stroller is a significant factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, 3 Wheel Pushchair as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you must replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers are available as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform as well in the long haul. Many parents regret buying bundles because they may not have all the features they want or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. If you plan to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel travel system-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to taking a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They are often equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. 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 and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place after opening.
Another nice-looking 3 Wheel Tandem stroller-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top choices, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen has some nice features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.
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 drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also looked at the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3 wheel stroller with seat-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body by itself. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be not be.