3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more convenient. Find features that simplify life, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on when you are shopping for the latest stroller. It's crucial to decide the features that are important to you and your family and what 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 adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a glass window at the top allows children to see out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in the trunk of your car. 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. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
3 wheel buggy for jogging features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a little complicated. It involves pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we advise using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system that includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's elegant and can 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 folds down in two steps and locks into place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product that has some great features. It has a spacious recline and comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if applicable).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body by itself. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure rather than sorry.