3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can 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 assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child easier. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear opening at the top that allows children to see out when they are resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't shake him up too much.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your trunk. You can also transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat complicated. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, like jogging ones which can make the ride smoother for your baby. 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 a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. stroller 3 wheel are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is it is opened.
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 choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not 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 issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padding straps for crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for jogging strollers since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We suggest choosing the model that has a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body on its own. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It's also important to think about how often you will have to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator and whether it's safe to do this with the stroller still in position. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe rather than sorry.