3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your baby more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you could do 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 helps keep the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a large, clear window at the top allows children to look out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide better performance in 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 its wheel size and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you plan 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 for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it might not include all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a more comfortable stroll for your child which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up 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 folds in two steps and locks in place once 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 frequently or live in a city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline and has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance.
3 wheel buggy doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as it can without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that jog since it prevents them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has hand brakes, which helps you slow down and stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is also important to think about the frequency that you will need to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do this with the stroller in the same place. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having an adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be carried up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be safe than sorry.