3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages regardless of whether you're seeking 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 the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on, when shopping for a new stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that will take only a tiny space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating bumps and potholes effortlessly.
three wheel pushchair jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers that have swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and provide convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it might not have all the features they want or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to taking a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place once opened.
Another stylish 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. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline, and 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 aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes are difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue 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 ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We rated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child loaded, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we recommend the model with hand brakes, which helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do it. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's safer to be safe than regretting.