3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family and which ones you can be content with.
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 adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a clear window on the top lets kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of any kind. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit complicated. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers are sold as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long term. Additionally many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it might not have all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport easy. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable stroll for your child which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller has an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in a city. 3 wheeled pushchair is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. 3 wheel buggy has a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on the ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake that helps you slow down and stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about how often you will need to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do it with the stroller still in position. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution 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 can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. But it's better to be safe rather than sorry.