3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone, whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your baby more convenient. 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 as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain 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 plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It involves pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. 3 wheeler pushchair , such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They can be especially dangerous 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 secured in the seat. Also, keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long run. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all of the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They also have suspension systems that offer a smoother ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. The stroller is elegant and can also be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats 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 a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top choices, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in an urban area. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padded crotch straps. This allows for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for those who run, since it stops them from falling over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend selecting one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same amount of effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do it. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's better to be safe than sorry.