3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone, whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that make life easier for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on, when shopping for the latest stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using 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 essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. 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 clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it harder to fold, transport, and 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 susceptible to flattening, so you must replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If 3 wheeler pushchairs are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long run. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it may not include all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and to store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. They also have suspension systems that give a smoother ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as a part of a travel set-up 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 sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can even be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend choosing a model with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe than regretting.