3 Wheel Compact Stroller ReviewThere are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging 3 wheel stroller stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more convenient. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful 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 prevents the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group with a clear view at the top 3 wheel strollers to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain 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 to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, like jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience by reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. If you want to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. They also have suspension systems that give an easier ride for your baby and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that locks in place when opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3 Wheel pushchair Cheap-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel often or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. 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 keep your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from rolling over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. 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 and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheel stroller set wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. But it's safer to be safe rather than sorry.