3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. 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 seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your baby more convenient. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a clear window at the top allows children to see out when they are resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you are planning to take your stroller with you often, we suggest that you choose one with solid wheels. They 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 escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat and is close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. These are typically more expensive and commodious than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform well in the long term. 3 wheeled pushchair regret buying a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact are easy to fold and store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller comes with an easy two-step fold that locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel often or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora 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 engage and they're not locked after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable 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 out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers since it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. That's why we recommend choosing one with a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and stop without as much exertion as relying on 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.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical parts which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure rather than regretting.