3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. 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 features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window on the top lets children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. However 3 wheel pushchair 's not as simple to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer more performance on rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable ride for 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 wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you choose one with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform in the long run. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport a breeze. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up with adapters for car seats 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 down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can also be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of impressive features like a huge basket and a single-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage and they're not locking after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety 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 have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much effort as using body power alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not offer this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It's also important to think about the frequency you'll have to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it will be safe to do this while the stroller is in its place. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be pushed up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged but it's always safer to be to be sorry.