3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The trick is determining which features are non-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 to keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a glass opening at the top that allows children to look out while they rest. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in your trunk. You can also convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must for any stroller. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can provide a smoother experience for infants. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, and you will need to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by reducing shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function in the long haul. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all of the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and to store. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They also have suspension systems that give a more comfortable ride for your little one, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). 3 wheel all terrain pushchair comes with a simple two-step fold and locks in place when opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on the ability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child loaded, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to consider the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do this while the stroller is in its place. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you're able to choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be carried up the stairs or an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.