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 for every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. Look for features that simplify your life, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when looking 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.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in the trunk of your car. three wheel pushchair is also possible to convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit confusing. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers come with larger wheels, like jogging ones, which makes the ride easier for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you intend to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you choose a model with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and to store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, but it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a compact 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It offers a large recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that jog since it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child 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, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing one with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to consider how often you will need to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do so with the stroller still in the same place. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's safer to be to be sorry.