3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your baby more enjoyable. If you're shopping 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, an adjustable canopy and much more. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family members and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping 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 look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are a must for any stroller. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds up 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 some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold or transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you plan to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you select a model with solid wheels. They can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you go 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 commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's elegant and can be used as a part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. ( 3 wheel buggy and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top choices, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, non-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline, and also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to travel 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 as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much effort as relying on body power alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It's important to consider the frequency that you will require to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do so with the stroller in place. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be safe than regretting.