3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller 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, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Find features that make life easier including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many useful features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential for any stroller. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks in 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 little confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you intend to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend that you choose one with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience by the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and may not function as well in the long term. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they desire or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They are often equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. The stroller is elegant and can be used as a part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money if you love to travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline and has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue is that the brakes could 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 keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is essential for strollers that jog since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing one with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. However, 3 wheeled pushchair of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It's also important to think about the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it will be safe to do this while the stroller is in its the same place. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's safer to be safe than to be sorry.