3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for an jogging stroller, or simply need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller that is suitable 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 top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your baby more comfortable. If 3 wheel buggy looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window at the top allows children to see out while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take up little space in your trunk. You can also transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and will need to replace them. If you intend to travel with your stroller frequently, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. They can endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well over the long run. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly take public transportation or drive prior to taking a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. They are often equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's 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, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if a lot or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread 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 quality product with a few nice features. It offers a large recline and has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there are no cups or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes may be difficult to activate and don't remain 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 strollers in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going down escalators or stairs which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the 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 assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We suggest choosing the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body by itself. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to consider how often you will need to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do so with the stroller in position. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure rather than regretting.