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. 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 test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a clear window on the top lets kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps easily.
The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism is a little confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting the 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 heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to take your stroller with you often, we suggest you purchase a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. 3 wheeled pushchair is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your little one and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place once opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there aren't any cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as it can without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locking when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. This is why we suggest choosing the model with a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll have to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do it with the stroller still in the same place. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe rather than sorry.