3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it into 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. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit into most 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's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones that can make the ride smoother for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform in the long run. Many parents regret buying bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transportation a breeze. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that give an easier ride for your little one which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. 3 wheel buggy 's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen has some nice features, like a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded 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 off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. 3 wheel pushchair looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has hand brakes, which helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is important to consider the frequency that you will require to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether it's safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Escalators and stairs present more dangers because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be secure than sorry.