3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your little one more enjoyable. Find features that simplify life including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for a new stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you could live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group, 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 padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of any kind. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat difficult to understand. three wheel pushchair requires pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as an entire travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they may not have all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you'd like 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 a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. The stroller is elegant and can also be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is 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 harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline and comes with storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes are a bit 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 possible, without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers have this option, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical components that make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's better to be safe than sorry.