3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller 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 both pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child much easier. Look for features that simplify life including a big storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more when looking for a new stroller. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a glass window at the top allows kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps easily.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, like jogging ones which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent 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 your child is secured in the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long term. In three wheel pushchair end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they want or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage effortless. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that offer a smoother stroll for your child, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, 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 has a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. 3 wheel buggy 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 stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. 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 will keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. That's why we recommend choosing one with a hand brake that allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to consider the frequency you'll require to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and whether it's safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure rather than regretting.