3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family, and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep your grip 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 car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they might not include all the features they want or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. 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 advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage a breeze. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It offers a large recline and comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps 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 out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for jogging strollers as it stops them from flipping over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child loaded, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as being able 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. We suggest choosing the model that has a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do so. 3 wheel buggy Push Chairs And Prams and stairs present more dangers because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. 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 rather than regretting.