3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell 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 convenient. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. three wheel pushchair folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a little complicated. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it harder to fold or transport and store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you must replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not have all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
three wheel pushchair is a lightweight jogging stroller. The stroller is elegant and can also be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, but it's well worth the money If you're a lover of travel or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It has a spacious recline and has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes are also difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padded straps for crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much effort as relying on body power alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
You should also consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.