3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller that is suitable 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 best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that simplify your life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on when looking for the latest stroller. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested with a clear view on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If Push Chairs And Prams planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience by reducing shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function as well in the long haul. Many parents regret purchasing bundles because they may not have all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive before going on an outing.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if frequently or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cups or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious 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 when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body on its own. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do this. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you have one or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe than regretting.