3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit everyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and those you can live without.
3 wheeled pushchairs is our top-rated stroller for running. 3 wheeler pushchairs comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents content 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 are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a clear window on the top lets kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother experience for infants. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you choose one with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long run. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all the features they want or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top choices, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or reside in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product with a few nice features. It has a spacious recline, and it also has storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down stairs and escalators.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing one with hand brakes, which helps you slow down and stop without as much effort as using body power alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It's important to consider the frequency you'll need to transport your stroller down an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do it while the stroller is in its the same place. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain 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 assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure than regretting.