3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller 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 as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your baby more enjoyable. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested with a clear view up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires are not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, like ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also, keep 3 wheeled pushchair to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform in the long term. Many parents regret buying bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation easy. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. They also have suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your baby which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller comes with simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if a lot or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While 3 wheeler pushchair comes with some nice features, such as an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body by itself. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It's also important to think about how often you will have to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do this with the stroller still in the same place. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you have one or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.