3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
3 wheeled pushchair Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child easier. Find features that make life easier including a big storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family and which ones 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 comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a large, clear opening at the top that allows children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It involves pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer better 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. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to 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 are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and provide convenience by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well over the long haul. Many parents regret buying bundle products because they might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that provide an easier ride for your baby and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up 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 has simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money If you're a lover of travel or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there aren't any cups or a snack tray for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It has a long list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body on its own. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
It's important to consider the frequency that you will need to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure than sorry.