3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a health-conscious person in search of an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that simplify life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more when looking for a new stroller. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's
3 wheel buggy-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that will take only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit complicated. It requires pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Certain strollers, like ones that jog with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long term. Additionally many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they would like or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most
3 Wheel Stroller Brands wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and to store. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. The stroller is elegant and can be used as part of a travel set-up with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place when it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or live in a city. The
lightweight 3 wheel buggy stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when it's reclining, and there are no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of features that are impressive like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will help to keep 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 crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers have a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that jog as it stops 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: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that
3 wheel all terrain buggy-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting as much effort as using your body alone. However, a lot of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers offer this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do so. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.