3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child 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, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to determine the features that are important to you and your family and those 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 heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a glass window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that will take up a small space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. 3 wheeled pushchair works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is somewhat difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide more performance on rough terrain. However, three wheel pushchair of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, like jogging ones that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold or transport and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you intend to take your stroller with you often, we suggest that you choose a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long run. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it may not include all of the features they want or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transportation a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They also have suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller features a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if frequently or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact 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 pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for kids. 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 possible without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while going up or down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it and its capacity to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing one with hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do so. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.