3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. It's crucial to decide what features are important to you and your family members and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of convenient 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 away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear window on the top lets children to see out while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in your car's trunk. You can also transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. Although 3 wheel pushchair don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you intend to take your stroller with you often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it may not include all the features they want or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase 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 future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport effortless. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother stroll for your child which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. It's elegant and can be used as 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 are sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, however it's worth the investment if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage, 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 can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locked after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing one with hand brakes, which assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much effort as relying on body power alone. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll need to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do so with the stroller in place. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be secure than regretting.