3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine the features that are important to you and your family members and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in your trunk. You can also convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on terrains that are rough. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating bumps and potholes effortlessly.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be somewhat confusing. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important 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 the type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones that can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long-term. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation easy. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other crowded areas with ease. They also have suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your baby, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We rated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body alone. However, 3 wheel pushchair of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It's important to consider the frequency that you will require to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do this while the stroller is in its position. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's safer to be safe than not be.