3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. 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 have features that make life on the go with your baby more enjoyable. Find 3 wheel pushchair that simplify your life including a big bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more when you are shopping for a new stroller. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you could be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many convenient features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while 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 peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
3 wheeled pushchair are essential for strollers used on rough terrains. 3 wheeled pushchair aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial 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 more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging, which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up 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 comes with simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while going up or 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 maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also looked at the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake that allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It's also important to think about the frequency that you will have to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do it with the stroller in the same place. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe than regretting.