3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller 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 testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that make traveling with your baby more comfortable. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family, and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many practical features that 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 away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If 3 wheel pushchair plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential for any stroller. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
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 small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It requires pressing a button near the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even 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 a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. They can endure contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and provide convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long haul. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they would like or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport effortless. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families that frequently use public transportation or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks into place once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in an urban area. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline and has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It has a long list of amazing features like a huge basket and a single-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child safe during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up or down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you can or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure than sorry.