3 wheel stroller Wheel compact 3 wheel stroller Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages whether you’re seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Whether you’re shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn’t slide away when you’re jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we’ve seen in our test group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children look out while they’re relaxing. Jenni’s 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road won’t shake him up too much.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex 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 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 effortlessly.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and it’s compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it’s not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then raising a handle. We’d like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The shape and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel with your stroller often, we suggest you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not come with all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child’s seat. If you plan to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother stroll for your child which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a light stroller that can be used for jogging. It’s a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if a lot or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17×7 inches size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can also be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn’t completely flat when it’s reclining, and there are no cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar’s height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that’s designed to be as light as it can without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to activate and don’t remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padded crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to safeguard your child’s head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down escalators and stairs.
In our tests strollers’ maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on a product’s ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child in it, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3 wheel running stroller-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes as baby gets heavier. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body by itself. However, many of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don’t come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
It is also important to consider how often you’ll need to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it’s safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having an adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. But it’s safer to be secure rather than regretting.
