3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can 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 test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child more convenient. Find features that simplify your life including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on when looking for the latest stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you are 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 while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in your trunk. You can also convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a bit complicated. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. pushchairsandpramsuk have larger wheels, like jogging ones, which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long run. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all of the features they desire, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride. This is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller has an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, like a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there are no cups or a snack tray for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when laden with a child and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body on its own. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It's important to consider the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do this with the stroller still in place. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked but it's always safer to be safe than to be sorry.