3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are essential to 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 as well as dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake that helps you control slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small 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 arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother ride for babies. However, larger wheels also increase 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 wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you intend to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. 3 wheeled pushchair on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest 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 sold as an entire travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and commodious than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long run. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product 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. If you want to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make transport and storage effortless. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your little one which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
three wheel pushchair is a light jogging stroller. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. This is why we recommend the model with a hand brake, which helps you slow down and stop without as much effort as using body power alone. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged but it's always better to be safer than not be.