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3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for any stroller. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a little confusing. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you intend to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If 3 wheeler pushchair are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all the features they would like or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier stroll for your child, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with 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 simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or reside in an urban area. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable and cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from slipping when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. 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 secure than regretting.