3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person looking for an jogging stroller, or simply seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. If you're looking for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. It's important to determine which features are essential for you and your family, and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not bother him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It folds down 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 with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller for jogging features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It's as simple as pressing the button in the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the 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 an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel with your stroller a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure 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. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it when your child is secured in the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers are available as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These are typically more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they want or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly take public transport 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. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide an easier ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's an elegant stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with a few nice features. pushchair 3 wheels offers a large recline, and also has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there's no cups or a tray to serve snacks to children. pushchair 3 wheels are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for those who run, since they are less likely to fall over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be safe than regretting.