3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone, whether you're looking for 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 both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your baby more enjoyable. Look for features that simplify life, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more, when shopping for a new stroller. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers used on terrains that are rough. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're great to navigate potholes and bumps easily.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a little difficult to understand. It requires pressing the button in the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents discover that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
3 wheel buggy of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.
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 quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you are planning to take your stroller with you often, we suggest you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long run. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it may not include all the features they want or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transport effortless. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that give an easier stroll for your child and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's more expensive than some of our top choices, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or reside in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they don't lock when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some have 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 lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as it prevents them from tumbling over while walking up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting the model that has a hand brake. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body on its own. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It's important to consider the frequency you'll require to take your stroller on a set of stairs or an escalator and whether it's safe to do so with the stroller still in the same place. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure than sorry.