3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. It's important to know the features that are important to you and your family members and what you can live without.
3 wheeled pushchair is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping away while you jog. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take up little space in your trunk. You can also convert it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be a little confusing. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is an important factor to take into account. A heavier stroller tends 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 a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging, which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Additionally many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all of the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families that frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give an easier ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel a lot or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while going up or down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll have to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do so 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 a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than not be.