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 for all-purpose use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that simplify your life including a big storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more, when shopping for a new stroller. The trick is determining 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, comes with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging with larger wheels can provide a smoother experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces 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 common accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is secured in the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not have all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child's 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 most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation effortless. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. 3 wheel compact stroller can be particularly useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit pricier than our top choices, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback is that the brakes may be difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing one with a hand brake, which 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 have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do so. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be safe than regretting.