3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can 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, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family, and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents content 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 jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes effortlessly.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However 3 wheeled pushchair 's not as simple to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well in the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they may not come with all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. The stroller is elegant and can be used as part of a travel system with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child safe during use. 3 wheeled pushchair of the best-scoring models in our review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and stop without as much 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 has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Escalators and stairs present more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure rather than regretting.