3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller that is suitable for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. 3 wheel pushchair folds into the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands like 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 terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of any kind. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It involves pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you intend to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels at the front are great for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you as 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 types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long-term. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transportation a breeze. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that locks in place when opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, however it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline and has storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they don't lock 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 review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We rated it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing a model with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about how often you will require to take your stroller on a set of stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do so with the stroller in the same place. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe rather than sorry.