3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child more comfortable. Find features that simplify life including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on, when shopping for the latest stroller. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you're able to live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many convenient features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group with a clear view at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes only a tiny space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
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. However, 3 wheel strollers discover that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers, like ones that jog, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you plan to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend 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 swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Additionally many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they desire, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you plan to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and to store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded with ease. They also have suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. It's an elegant stroller that can 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 into position after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline, and it also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers 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 and its comfort with a child loaded and its capacity to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. We recommend choosing one with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body alone. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brakes engaged and locked however it's safer to be not be.