3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make traveling with your little one more comfortable. Look for features that simplify life, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more, when shopping for a new stroller. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a clear window at the top allows kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of any kind. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating potholes and bumps effortlessly.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. 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 rather have a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening and must replace them. If you plan to travel with your stroller a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to 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 stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up and down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they might not include all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a more comfortable stroll for your child and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish 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 boards sold separately). The stroller comes with simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's more expensive than some of our top choices, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, like an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. 3 wheel buggy 's equipped with a lengthy list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body alone. However, many of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going 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 for you to control your stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than sorry.