3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your child more enjoyable. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. The key is determining what features are not 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 is loaded with practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with certain 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're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are a must for any stroller. While Pushchairs And Prams don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps easily.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks when folded, and it's small 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 involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you plan 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 front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform in the long haul. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they might not include all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage easy. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. 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 as well as 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 attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline and has storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack tray for children. The brakes are difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head should they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for jogging strollers as it stops them from rolling over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body on its own. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will need to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do it with the stroller still in place. Escalators and stairs present greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be safe than sorry.