3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages whether you’re seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your little one more enjoyable. Look for features that simplify your life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. It’s crucial to decide the features that are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn’t slide away when you’re jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we’ve seen in our test group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they’re resting. Jenni’s three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you’re planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for any stroller. While they don’t provide the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they’re ideal for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.
This jogging stroller features a fold-up that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and it’s small enough to fit in most elevators. However, it’s not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We’d prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging, which can make the ride smoother 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 include air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and must replace them. If you plan to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you can’t avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience by the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not function in the long term. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all the features they desire, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child’s seat. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel stroller 3 wheel stroller lightweight wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable stroll for your child which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you’re looking for a jogging stroller that won’t weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, 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 are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3 wheel pushchair with car seat-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. This lightweight 3 wheel buggy stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17×7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It has a spacious recline and has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed in 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 a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that’s designed to be as light as it can without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It’s equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage, and they’re not locking after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child’s head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that jog as it stops them from slipping when they’re going up and down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, strollers’ maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it based on the ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child loaded, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3 wheel buggy-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing a model with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body on its own. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you’ll need to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it’s safe to do so. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked however it’s better to be safer than sorry.