3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages, whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make traveling with your little one more enjoyable. Find features that make life easier for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. 3 wheeled pushchair adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested with a clear view 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 won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks into place 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 is a little complicated. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers, like ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it might not include all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and to store. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that offer a more comfortable stroll for your child, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks into place once it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel often or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, cushioned harness. pushchair 3 wheels can also be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline and has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue 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 should help to keep your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padding crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the handlebar as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be safe than not be.