3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap helps 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 clear opening at the top that allows children to look out while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that will take up a small space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to transform it into an entire travel system by buying 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 air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It requires pressing the button in the foot area at 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 weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents discover that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform as well over the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing 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 a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage effortless. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if often or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, 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, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar and 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. We recommend choosing the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body by itself. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
3 wheel buggy is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be safe than not be.