3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for 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 evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your little one more enjoyable. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more when you are shopping for a new stroller. The key is determining what 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 is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents happy 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 doesn't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It involves pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your baby which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a part of a travel set-up with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. ( 3 wheeled pushchair and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top choices, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised 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 feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which 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 strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it and its capacity to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy 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 with as little effort than using your body alone. However, many of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do so. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.