3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family, and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of any kind. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. 3 wheel buggy have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it if your child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long-term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they would like or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. 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 light stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, 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 has a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit pricier than some of our top choices, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there are no cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes are also difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback 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 should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head should they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. 3 wheeled pushchair evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing one with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body by itself. 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 also important to think about how often you will require to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator and whether it's safe to do so while the stroller is in its position. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be safe rather than sorry.