3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. If you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much 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, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads comfortable and happy. 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 doesn't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones that can make the ride smoother for your baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making 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 on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long term. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's an elegant stroller that can be used as a 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 sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and locks in place when opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as is possible without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
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 and dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it 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, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake that allows you to slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only 3 wheeler pushchairs of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.