3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your child more comfortable. Find features that simplify your life, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family, and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help maintain control on slippery 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 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.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller is a jogging model and comes with a fold that takes just two 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 our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you plan to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up and 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 in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not have all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that give a smoother ride for your baby which is especially helpful 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 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 down in two steps and locks in place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the investment if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline, and also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there are no cups or a snack tray for children. The brakes can also be 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 it can without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that jog since it prevents them from rolling over when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it based on the ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child loaded and its ability to traverse rough terrain. 3 wheeler pushchair www.pushchairsandprams.uk assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body on its own. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged but it's always better to be safer than sorry.