3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. 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 looking for the latest stroller. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family, and those 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 happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that will take up a small space in your trunk. It is also possible to transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as an entire travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long-term. Many parents regret buying bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport easy. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in an urban area. 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, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It offers a large recline, and also has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. three wheel pushchair isn't fully flat when reclined and there are no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a long list of amazing features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We rated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur and its comfort with a child on it and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing the model with a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be carried up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than sorry.