3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on pavement 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. Find features that simplify life for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more, when shopping for a new stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested with a clear view at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system using certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. 3 wheeler pushchair on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers are sold as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long term. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they would like or could 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 the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They are often equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position once opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or reside in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product that has some great features. It offers a large recline and has storage space. However some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are also a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of amazing features including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others come with a cushioned 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. This is essential for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from flipping over when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. We suggest choosing the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body by itself. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you can use an elevator or having an adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe than regretting.