3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. 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 most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
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 a stroller that is lighter and can provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels can provide a smoother experience for infants. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long-term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all the features they would like or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a more comfortable ride for your little one, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller comes with an easy two-step fold that locks in place when opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, but it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or reside in an urban area. The stroller is lightweight and can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen has some nice features, like an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there are no cups or a snack tray for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom 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 have a safety lock that secures both wheels. 3 wheeled pushchair is particularly important for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about the frequency that you will have to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do this with the stroller in place. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. But it's better to be safe rather than regretting.