3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. The 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 offer features that make traveling with your little one more enjoyable. If you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, 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 determine the features that are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a glass window at the top allows children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be a little difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button near the foot area on 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 an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening and will need to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers can be purchased as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform in the long run. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother stroll for your child which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If 3 wheel buggy looking for a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, however it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline and has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of impressive features including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, padding straps for crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is particularly important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We evaluated it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child on it and its ability to navigate over 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 and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake that allows you to slow down and stop with as little effort as relying on body power 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 the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do so. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be carried up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's safer to be safe than not be.