3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of a stroller for jogging or seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for everyday use There's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. If you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family, and what you can live 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 heights to accommodate caregivers. 3 wheeled pushchair prevents the stroller from slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must for any stroller. 3 wheel pushchair 're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded, and it's small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide more performance on rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and 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 withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system where 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 they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some locks automatically lock into place 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 maneuver through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your baby, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller features a simple two-step fold and locks in place when opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. 3 wheel buggy can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there are no cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of amazing features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child on it and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as baby gets heavier. We suggest choosing one with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body by itself. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is also important to think about the frequency that you will require to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do so with the stroller in place. Escalators and stairs present more dangers because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked but it's always safer to be to be sorry.