3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use every day. Managing 3 wheel stroller lightweight 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 have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. It's crucial to decide what features are important to you and your family members and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a glass opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your trunk. You can also convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks in place 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 lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot 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 wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it might not include all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive before going on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top choices, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline and comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also 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's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they can be especially risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We suggest choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body by itself. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It's important to consider how often you will have to take your stroller on a set of stairs or an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do it with the stroller still in place. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked but it's always better to be safer than not be.