3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast in search of a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller for everyday use, there's a three-wheel compact stroller that is suitable for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more convenient. Look for features that make life easier including a big bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for a new stroller. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family and those you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group with a clear view at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're great to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. 3 wheeled pushchair involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven 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, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.
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 injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is securely strapped into the seat and is close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function as well over the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation effortless. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They are often equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel often or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray 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 is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers since it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child on it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We recommend choosing one with hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body alone. However, the majority of best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It's also important to think about how often you will need to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do so with the stroller still in place. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe than regretting.