3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your baby more convenient. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 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, adjustable canopy and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window on the top lets children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that takes only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If 3 wheel buggy on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that only requires 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, and the locking mechanism is a little complicated. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which makes the ride easier for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform in the long haul. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they want or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you buy a stroller separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system with car seat adapters 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 has an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small 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 even be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locked after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. three wheel pushchair assessed 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 have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as using body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It's also important to think about the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do this with the stroller still in the same place. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it's better to be safe rather than regretting.