3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your baby more convenient. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family, and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on rough terrains. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It requires pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you intend to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they want or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and to store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier stroll for your child which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up 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 folds down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe during use. 3 wheel pushchair of the top-scoring products in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it is 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 applicable).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than the 4-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will have to take your stroller on a set of stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do this while the stroller is in its position. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure than sorry.