3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many convenient features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system using the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If 3 wheel pushchair on taking on rough terrain, tires are essential for any stroller. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother experience for infants. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend using it when your child is secured in the seat. Also, keep them close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they might not include all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother ride for your baby, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inches size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It has a long list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes may be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller'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. 3 wheel buggy evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body on its own. 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.
It is important to consider how often you will need to take your stroller on an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do it while the stroller is in its position. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be taken onto the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brakes engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be safe than to be sorry.