3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. Find features that simplify life for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more when looking for a new stroller. It's crucial to decide what features are important to you and your family and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many practical features that keep parents 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 running. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a glass window on the top lets kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like ones that jog with larger wheels can provide a smoother ride for baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you plan to travel with your stroller a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. three wheel pushchair are able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well in the long haul. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not come with all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, like a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar 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 sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of features that are impressive like a huge basket and a single-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 must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is essential for strollers that jog since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated 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 also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on 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 for going up or down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do it. 3 wheel pushchair and stairs present more of a hazard because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you can, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than not be.
