3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone, whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested with a clear view at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system with certain 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.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on rough terrains. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're great for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
This jogging stroller comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit complicated. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. 3 wheel pushchair travel system pushchairsandprams.uk on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function as well over the long run. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all of the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and put away. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats 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 folds in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inches size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child in it, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. We recommend choosing a model with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body by itself. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to think about how often you will require to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do it while the stroller is in its place. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you can use an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be secure rather than regretting.