3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone 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 the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. Find features that simplify your life including a big storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more when looking for the latest stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a clear window at the top allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that are used on rough terrains. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and lifting a 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 crucial factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging with larger wheels can provide a smoother ride for baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience by the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform as well in the long run. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not include all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. They also have suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your baby which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with an easy two-step fold that locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It offers a large recline and has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack tray for children. 3 wheeled pushchair can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing 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 may be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting a model with a hand brake. It can 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 do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's safer to be sorry.